Electrolytes and Non-electrolytes

Electrolytes:

Chemical substances which conduct electricity in their aqueous and molten forms are called electrolytes.

Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity in solution by producing ions. When an electrolyte dissolves in water, it dissociates into cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions), which are free to move and carry an electric current.

Examples of Electrolytes

• Sodium chloride (NaCl)

• Potassium chloride (KCl)

• Calcium chloride (CaCl$_2$)

• Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO$_3$)

Non-Electrolytes:

Chemical substances which do not conduct electricity in their aqueous and molten forms are called non-electrolytes.

Non-electrolytes are substances that do not conduct electricity in solution. They do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, and therefore do not carry an electric current. Non-electrolytes are usually covalent compounds, which do not produce ions when dissolved in water.

Examples of Non-Electrolytes

• Glucose $(C_6H_{12}O_6)$

• Sucrose $(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11})$

• Ethanol (C$_2$H$_5$OH)

• Acetone (C$_3$H$_6$O)