What Is an Electrolyte?
An electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. The dissolved electrolyte separates into cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions), which are free to move through the solvent and carry an electric current.
Section 2: How Electrolytes Work
The key to an electrolyte's function is the process of dissociation or ionization. When an ionic compound like table salt (NaCl) is added to water, its chemical bonds break, and it separates into its constituent ions, Na+ and Cl-. These mobile ions are what allow the solution to conduct electricity. Substances that do not form ions in solution, like sugar, are called non-electrolytes.
Section 3: A Practical Example
A common example of an electrolyte solution is a sports drink. These drinks contain salts and minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride. When you exercise and sweat, your body loses these essential electrolytes. Replenishing them helps regulate nerve and muscle function, which relies on the electrical signals carried by these ions.
Section 4: Importance in Science and Biology
In biology, electrolytes are vital for numerous bodily functions, including maintaining proper hydration, balancing blood pH, and enabling nerve impulses. In chemistry and industry, electrolytes are the fundamental components of batteries, allowing for the flow of charge, and are also used in processes like electroplating.