Which of the following best describes a nonelectrolyte?

• A. A substance that does not produce ions when dissolved in water and therefore does not conduct electricity.
• B. A substance that completely dissociates into ions in water and conducts electricity very well.
• C. A substance that partially dissociates into ions in water and conducts electricity weakly.
• D. A substance that reacts with water to form a precipitate.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an electrolyte: it is a substance that produces ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.
2. Recognize that a strong electrolyte completely dissociates into ions in water, resulting in high electrical conductivity.
3. Identify that a weak electrolyte partially dissociates into ions, leading to weak electrical conductivity.
4. Define a nonelectrolyte as a substance that does not produce ions when dissolved in water, so it does not conduct electricity.
5. Eliminate options that describe substances producing ions or reacting to form precipitates, focusing on the option that states no ion production and no electrical conductivity.