Electrolytes

Electrolytes are substances that break up (dissociate or ionize) in water to produce ions. These ions are capable of conducting an electric current (electrolyte).

Remember…

¤  Molecular substances are made of molecules, share electrons (covalent bond), composed of nonmetals.

¤  Ionic substances are made of cations (+) and anions (-), transfer electrons, ionic substances are salts.

Classify the following compounds as a molecular substance or ionic substance, electrolyte or non-electrolyte, and write the dissociation equation.

Example

Compound / Molecular substance or ionic substance / Electrolyte or non-electrolyte / Dissociation equation
NaCl / Ionic substance / Electrolyte / NaCl (s) Na+1(aq) + Cl-1(aq)
Compound / Molecular substance or ionic substance / Electrolyte or non-electrolyte / Dissociation equation
Na2SO4
KOH
C6H12O6
Mg(OH)2
NaOH
K2CO3
HgS