Here's why:

* Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in a solvent (usually water) or when molten.

* Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, giving them a net positive or negative charge.

* Conduction of electricity requires the movement of charged particles. In electrolytes, these charged particles are the ions.

When an electrolyte dissolves, its ions separate and are free to move, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.

Examples:

* Sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-).

* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissolves into potassium ions (K+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).

Note: Not all ionic compounds are electrolytes. Some ionic compounds are insoluble and do not dissociate into ions in solution.