What is an electrolyte?

An electrolyte is defined as a substance that dissociates into ions when it is dissolved in a solvent, typically water. This dissociation allows the solution to conduct electricity because the movement of these charged particles (ions) is what enables electrical conductivity. Common examples of electrolytes include salts like sodium chloride (NaCl), which, when dissolved in water, separates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻).

The ability to conduct electricity is a key characteristic of electrolytes, distinguishing them from non-electrolytes, which do not break down into ions and thus cannot carry an electric charge. In contrast to the other options, a strong acid is a type of electrolyte, but it does not encompass all electrolytes. Additionally, the definition of a chemical compound with a fixed ratio of elements typically relates to the structure of molecules, but it does not specify the ion-dissociating property that is central to what makes a substance an electrolyte.