What characterizes a strong electrolyte?

A strong electrolyte is characterized by its ability to fully dissociate into ions when dissolved in a solvent, typically water. This complete dissociation allows for the maximum number of charged particles (ions) to be present in the solution, which is essential for conducting electricity.

When a substance like sodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in water, it separates entirely into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). Because these ions are free to move, they enable the solution to conduct electricity effectively.

In contrast, weak electrolytes only partially dissociate, resulting in fewer ions in the solution and thus a reduced ability to conduct electricity. Substances that do not dissociate at all do not produce any ions and therefore do not conduct electricity effectively. The ability of strong electrolytes to fully dissociate is crucial for their role in various chemical and physical processes, especially in biological systems and in solutions where electrical conductivity is important.