Question

What compounds are electrolytes?

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

Ionic compounds form electrolytes when they dissociate in solution.

When an ionic compound dissolves in solution, the ions of the molecule dissociate. For instance, sodium chloride `NaCl` dissociates into one `Na^+` and one `Cl^-` ion:

`color(green)"NaCl"` `rightleftharpoons` `color(red)"Na"^+` `+` `color(blue)"Cl"^-`

Similarly, `CaF_2` would dissociate into one `Ca^(2+)` and two `F^-` ions.

These ions are electrochemically charged in solution and can conduct electricity, making them electrolytes.

Electrolytes are extremely important in the human body as conductors of nerve impulses. That is why sports drinks are infused with electrolytes to replenish the salts an athlete loses through sweating during a workout or competition.

I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER