Comparison of electrolytic conductivity theories: Performance of classicaland new theories

Conductivity equations, based on the mean spherical approximation (MSA), ha ve recently been derived. We compare their performance with that of classic al equations at the level of experimental uncertainty using conductivity da ta for some typical electrolyte solutions. For symmetrical electrolytes, th e picture is consistent showing a better performance for the classical equa tions. The Lee and Wheaten equation also shows advantages at moderate conce ntrations. For unsymmetrical electrolytes, the differences between MSA and classical equations is larger. There is, however, an inherent inconsistency with the equilibrium information, which cannot be resolved at present.