Why are soluble ionic compounds such as MgCl_2 considered electrolytes?

• A. They form covalent bonds with water molecules, increasing solubility.
• B. They dissociate into ions in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.
• C. They react with water to produce gases that conduct electricity.
• D. They remain as neutral molecules in solution, preventing electrical conduction.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an electrolyte is a substance that produces ions when dissolved in water, enabling the solution to conduct electricity.
2. Recognize that soluble ionic compounds like MgCl_2 consist of positive and negative ions held together by ionic bonds in the solid state.
3. When MgCl_2 dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions: Mg^{2+} and 2 Cl^{-}. This process is called dissociation.
4. These free ions in the aqueous solution are charged particles that can move and carry electric current, which is why the solution conducts electricity.
5. Therefore, MgCl_2 is considered an electrolyte because it dissociates into ions in water, allowing electrical conduction.