What term describes a compound that conducts electricity when dissolved in water?

What term describes a compound that conducts electricity when dissolved in water?

• A. Solvent
• B. Electrolyte
• C. Solute
• D. Non-conductor

Answer: (B)

The term that describes a compound that conducts electricity when dissolved in water is "electrolyte." An electrolyte is typically an ionic compound that dissociates into ions in solution, allowing the solution to conduct an electric current. This property is crucial in various applications, including batteries, bodily functions, and chemical processes. For a substance to be considered an electrolyte, it must produce free-moving ions when dissolved in water. These charged particles (cations and anions) facilitate the flow of electrical charge through the solution. This characteristic is not shared by all compounds, which is why other terms are not suitable. A solute refers to the substance that is dissolved in a solvent (typically water), but it does not necessarily imply electrical conductivity. A solvent is the component of a solution that is present in the greatest amount, often water, but again, it lacks the property of conducting electricity by itself. Non-conductor describes materials that do not conduct electricity, which is contrary to what electrolytes do. Thus, the specific behavior of electrolytes in solution makes this term the correct choice.

The term that describes a compound that conducts electricity when dissolved in water is "electrolyte." An electrolyte is typically an ionic compound that dissociates into ions in solution, allowing the solution to conduct an electric current. This property is crucial in various applications, including batteries, bodily functions, and chemical processes.

For a substance to be considered an electrolyte, it must produce free-moving ions when dissolved in water. These charged particles (cations and anions) facilitate the flow of electrical charge through the solution. This characteristic is not shared by all compounds, which is why other terms are not suitable.

A solute refers to the substance that is dissolved in a solvent (typically water), but it does not necessarily imply electrical conductivity. A solvent is the component of a solution that is present in the greatest amount, often water, but again, it lacks the property of conducting electricity by itself. Non-conductor describes materials that do not conduct electricity, which is contrary to what electrolytes do. Thus, the specific behavior of electrolytes in solution makes this term the correct choice.