Briefly explain the differences between a solution that is an electrolyte and a solution that is a non-electrolyte.

Question

Give one example of a solution that would be an electrolyte and a solution that is a non-electrolyte.

Answer 1

The biggest difference you want to be aware of is that an electrolyte solution will be able to conduct electricity and this is because it contains ions. A non-electrolyte solution will not be able to do this.

For example, HCl ( hydrochloric acid ) would be considered an electrolyte solution. In solution, the molecule will separate into H+ and Cl- ions and these ions are charged species and therefore conduct electricity.

To contrast glucose ( sugar) in solution is a non-electrolyte. While sugar will dissolve in water, the molecule itself does not dissociate ( and therefore does not contain charged ions). This is an important distinction to keep in mind, while a substance can dissolve it DOES NOT mean it will dissociate. Consider the molecular formula of glucose C₆H₁₂O_6. As you get more practice you will also begin to see most substances with covalent bonds form non- electrolyte solutions and those with ionic bonds ( such as HCl) are electrolyte solutions!

Hope this helps,

Carla