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  • Electrolytes: Understanding Conductive Solutions
    A solution that conducts electricity contains an electrolyte as the solute.

    Here's why:

    * Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in a solvent. These ions are charged particles that can move freely, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.

    * Nonelectrolytes are substances that do not dissociate into ions when dissolved. They remain as neutral molecules, so the solution cannot conduct electricity.

    Examples of electrolytes:

    * Salts: Table salt (NaCl) dissolves into Na+ and Cl- ions.

    * Acids: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissolves into H+ and Cl- ions.

    * Bases: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissolves into Na+ and OH- ions.

    Examples of nonelectrolytes:

    * Sugar: Sucrose (C12H22O11) dissolves but does not form ions.

    * Ethanol: Ethanol (C2H5OH) dissolves but does not form ions.

    Important Note: The strength of the electrical conductivity depends on the concentration of the electrolyte and the mobility of the ions.

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