Which of the following options correctly defines an electrolyte?

• A. A substance that increases the boiling point of water without affecting its electrical conductivity.
• B. A substance that only dissolves in nonpolar solvents and does not affect electrical conductivity.
• C. A substance that, when dissolved in water, forms a non-conducting solution because it does not produce ions.
• D. A substance that, when dissolved in water, produces a solution that conducts electricity due to the presence of ions.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an electrolyte: An electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, dissociates into ions and thus produces a solution that can conduct electricity.
2. Recall that electrical conductivity in aqueous solutions depends on the presence of free ions that can move and carry charge.
3. Analyze each option by checking whether the substance produces ions in solution and whether the solution conducts electricity.
4. Recognize that substances that do not produce ions in solution (nonelectrolytes) do not conduct electricity, while those that produce ions (electrolytes) do.
5. Conclude that the correct definition of an electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, produces a solution that conducts electricity due to the presence of ions.