Science glossary film: Electrolyte

A substance that when molten or dissolved in solution, releases free ions that make it electrically conductive. When salt dissolves in water, it dissociates into chlorine and sodium ions, which can move freely in the water and therefore make it electrically conductive. A sugar solution, however, will not conduct electricity because the sugar molecules do not split into ions when dissolved in water.

When salt dissolves in water, it dissociates into chlorine and sodium ions, which can move freely in the water and therefore make it electrically conductive. A sugar solution, however, will not conduct electricity because the sugar molecules do not split into ions when dissolved in water.