Here's why:
* Ions are atoms or molecules that carry an electrical charge.
* When an electrolyte dissolves in water, the water molecules pull apart the ions that make up the electrolyte, allowing them to move freely in solution.
Examples of electrolytes include:
* Salts: Sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves to form sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-)
* Acids: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissolves to form hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl-)
* Bases: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissolves to form sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH-)
Non-electrolytes, on the other hand, do not release ions when dissolved in water. Examples include sugar (sucrose) and alcohol.