An electrolyte will dissolve in water to form a solution that will conduct an electric current. The ability of a solution to conduct an electric current is due to the presence of ions that are free to move. Weak electrolytes in aqueous solution attain an equilibrium between ions and the undissociated compound. The equilibrium constant for such systems is called the dissociation constant. The value of the dissociation constant changes with a change of temperature.
All ionic compounds are electrolytes.
Some polar covalent compounds form ions and conduct electricity when dissolved in water. See also p. 50 of this unit. Arrhenius provided the first explanation of the behavior of electrolytes in aqueous solution. Go to top . Acids and Bases Understandings and Fundamental Concepts Acids and bases may be defined in terms of operational definitions.