What type of compound is considered an electrolyte, and what are some examples?
An electrolyte is a compound that conducts electricity by dissociating into ions when dissolved in water. Examples include soluble ionic compounds like sodium chloride, strong acids such as hydrochloric acid, and strong bases like sodium hydroxide. Weak electrolytes, such as hydrofluoric acid and magnesium hydroxide, partially dissociate and conduct electricity weakly.