ELECTROLYTE AND NON-ELECTROLYTE

1. Definition:

1. Electrolytes - A substance in molten state or aqueous solution that is able to conduct

electricity. Example: dilute acids and alkalis, molten lead (II) bromide, sodium

chloride solution.

2. Non-electrolytes – Substances that cannot conduct electricity either in molten state or

aqueous solution. Example: naphthalene, benzene, alcohol, glucose.

2. All non-electrolytes are covalent compounds which do not contain ions.

3. An ionic compound in a solid state cannot conduct electricity because its ions are held

together by strong ionic bonds which are not free to move about.

4. In molten state, the ions can move about freely.

5. In the aqueous state, the ionic compound dissolves in water and dissociates into freely

moving ions.