Electrolyte

 
Electrolyte

• Electrolytes are substances that can conduct electricity in molten or aqueous state and undergo chemical changes.
• It can conduct electricity due to the presence of free moving ions.

Example for electrolytes (alkalis, acids, salt solution or molten salt):

• molten lead(II) chloride
• copper(II) sulphate solution
• solution containing ions such as hydrochloride acid

Non-electrolyte

• Non-electrolytes are molecules that cannot conduct electricity and will not undergo any chemical changes.
• It cannot conduct electricity due to the absent of free moving ions.

Example of non-electrolytes (covalent substances):

• molten acetone
• molten naphthalene
• glucose solution

Conductor

• Conductors are substances that can conduct electricity in solid or molten state but do not undergo any chemical changes.
• It can conduct electricity due to the flow of electrons.

Example of conductor:

• iron
• graphite
• mercury

Ionic Compounds

Solid state	Molten state or aqueous state (dissolved in water)
Do not conduct electricity	Can conduct electricity
Ions are held in a lattice	-
Ions do not move freely	Ions are free to move

Covalent Compounds

Solid state	Molten state or aqueous state (dissolved in water)
Do not conduct electricity	Do not conduct electricity
Exist in molecules	Exist in molecules
Molecules do not have free moving ions	Exception: HCl and NH3 exist as free moving ions in water

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