What is an electrolyte?

An electrolyte is defined as an ionized solution that is capable of conducting electricity. This property arises because electrolytes contain ions, which are charged particles that facilitate the flow of electrical current. When a substance, such as a salt, is dissolved in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. These free-moving ions in the solution allow for the conduction of electricity, making the electrolyte essential in various applications, including batteries, electrolysis, and biochemical processes.

In contrast to electrolytes, neutral compounds that do not conduct electricity do not possess mobile ions. Solids that restrict electrical flow do not allow for the movement of charged particles either, and gases, typically in their non-ionized state, generally do not act as conductors. Therefore, the definition of an electrolyte as an ionized solution capable of conducting electricity accurately captures its essential role in enabling electrical conductivity in various contexts.