Electrolytes and Solution Conductivity

A substance which turns into ions when placed into solution is an electrolyte. Electrons are forced into solution at the electrode on the left by the battery turning H+ into H2. At the right hand electrode, electrons are grabbed from the Cl- turning it into Cl2. The other ions move to make up the charge imbalance, allowing an electric current to flow through the light bulb. The solution appears to be conducting electricity. If we use alternating current from a wall socket instead of direct current from a battery, we can get the appearance of conductance without using up any of our electrolyte. A strong electrolyte turns completely into ions when placed into solution. e.g. NaCl A weak electrolyte provides only a few ions when dissolved. e.g. CH3COOH