Question

Electrolytes include which of the following types of compounds?
A. Acids
B. Bases
C. Salts
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint:Electrolytes are defined as the substance which on dissolving in water dissociates to form its constituent ions. Ionic compounds are generally used as an electrolyte which are formed from negative charged ions and positive charged ions.

Complete answer:
The substance which on coming in contact with water breaks down into charged ions are called electrolytes. Electrolyte thus can conduct electricity due to flow of charges.
The negatively charged ion is called anion and the positively charged ion is called cation.
Electrolytes are divided into two forms. They are shown below.
Strong electrolyte: Strong electrolytes are those which fully dissociates into its constituent ions when dissolved in water. Strong acid and strong base forms strong electrolyte as they break down into their respective ions.
Example: Hydrochloric acid, HCl dissociates into ${H^ + }$ ion and $C{l^ - }$ ion. Sodium hydroxide NaOH dissociates into $N{a^ + }$ and $O{H^ - }$.

Weak electrolyte: Weak electrolytes are those which partially dissociates into its constituent ions when dissolved in water. Weak acid and weak bases form weak electrolyte as they don’t break completely into their respective ions.
Example: Acetic acid $C{H_3}COOH$, ammonia $N{H_3}$.
Salts are formed by the neutralization reaction between acid and base. It is generally an ionic compound, so it will break easily into its constituent ions when dissolved in water. Therefore, salt is considered as electrolyte.
Example: Potassium chloride KCl dissociates into ${K^ + }$ and $C{l^ - }$.
Therefore, the correct option is D.

Note: In the electrochemical cell, the electrolytes are used to carry current between the two electrodes anode and cathode as the flow of current is due to ions.