Final answer:
An electrolyte is a substance that becomes conductive when dissolved in water by dissociating into ions. It plays essential roles in bodily functions like nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions, greatly enhancing their conductivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Electrolyte?
An electrolyte is a substance that contains free ions and becomes an electrically conductive medium when dissolved in a polar solvent such as water. Its functionality is crucial in many physiologic processes such as nerve impulse conduction, muscle contractions, and the maintenance of water balance. The most important physiological electrolytes in the human body include ions like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and chloride (Cl-).
Electrolytes are generally categorized as strong electrolytes or nonelectrolytes based on their ability to dissociate into ions. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely when dissolved, creating an aqueous solution that conducts electricity very effectively. Examples of such substances are ionic compounds, which, when dissolved or melted, break apart into ions that have the freedom to move and thus conduct an electric current.
Sports drinks and dietary supplements often contain electrolytes to replace those lost through sweating during exercise. Therefore, the role of these substances is also acknowledged in domains like nutrition and sports medicine.