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Electrochemistry & Redox

Electrolyte

A substance that produces mobile ions when dissolved or molten and therefore conducts electricity.

Unit S/m

In depth

Strong electrolytes ionise almost completely and conduct well, while weak electrolytes ionise only partially. Conduction occurs by the physical migration of ions rather than by electron flow, so it is accompanied by chemical change at the electrodes and increases with temperature.

Examples in the real world

Molten NaCl, aqueous sulfuric acid, and the lithium salt dissolved in a battery's organic solvent.