Which term describes substances that can conduct electricity in solution?

Which term describes substances that can conduct electricity in solution?

• A. Electrolytes
• B. Solvents
• C. Acids
• D. Bases

Answer: (A)

The term that describes substances capable of conducting electricity when dissolved in solution is electrolytes. Electrolytes are typically ionic compounds that dissociate into ions in solution, allowing the flow of electric current. This property is significant in various applications, including biological systems, where electrolytes are crucial for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. While solvents, such as water, are the medium in which solutes are dissolved, they do not necessarily conduct electricity themselves unless they contain dissociated ions. Acids and bases can act as electrolytes, but they are specific types of compounds that produce hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions, respectively, when dissolved in water. Thus, while they may contribute to the conductivity of a solution, the broader term that encompasses all substances able to conduct electricity in solution is electrolytes.

The term that describes substances capable of conducting electricity when dissolved in solution is electrolytes. Electrolytes are typically ionic compounds that dissociate into ions in solution, allowing the flow of electric current. This property is significant in various applications, including biological systems, where electrolytes are crucial for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

While solvents, such as water, are the medium in which solutes are dissolved, they do not necessarily conduct electricity themselves unless they contain dissociated ions. Acids and bases can act as electrolytes, but they are specific types of compounds that produce hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions, respectively, when dissolved in water. Thus, while they may contribute to the conductivity of a solution, the broader term that encompasses all substances able to conduct electricity in solution is electrolytes.