What is the role of electrolytes in aqueous solutions?

In aqueous solutions, electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. This dissociation is crucial because it produces charged particles, which are essential for conducting electricity. An electrolyte can be a salt, acid, or base that, when added to water, separates into cations and anions. The movement of these ions allows the solution to conduct electric current, a property that is fundamental in various chemical and physical processes.

For instance, when table salt (sodium chloride) is dissolved in water, it separates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). This ionic dissociation enables the solution to conduct electricity, which is why electrodes placed in the solution will register a current flow when connected to an external power source. This property of electrolytes is critically utilized in various applications, including electrolysis, electrochemical cells, and biological systems where ion balance is vital for function.