Understanding properties of electrolytes and non-electrolytes

Malaysia SPM Form 4 Chemistry, Chapter 6: Electrochemistry.

Electrolytes And Non-electrolyte

Conductor

A conductor is a substance which conducts electricity but is not chemically changed during the conduction .

Insulators

A non-conductor is a substance which does not allow the passage of electricity. Sometimes these non-conductors are used to protect something from electricity. They are then called insulators .

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are compounds which when molten or dissolved in water conduct electric current and are decomposed in the process .

Non-electrolyte

A non-electrolyte is a liquid which does not allow the passage of electricity.

Examples of non-electrolytes, weak electrolytes and strong electrolytes

• Examples of electrolytes are acids, alkalis and salts dissolved in water or molten salts .
• All these are ionic substances.
• Solid ionic substances do not conduct electricity, as their ions are held together in fixed positions by strong forces .
• In order for the ions to move, the solid must be dissolved in water or made molten, thereby destroying the ionic lattice .