Question

Which of the following statements is true about electrolytes?

• A. Electrolytes are always in solution.
• B. Electrolytes are made of strong acids and bases.
• C. An electrolyte always needs to be ionic in nature.
• D. An electrochemical cell always needs an electrolyte.

Answer 1

The correct option is D An electrochemical cell always needs an electrolyte.

- Electrolytes are not always in solution or aqueous form. It is also possible to have electrolytes in the molten form or fused form. For example: Molten NaCl.

- Electrolytes can also be made of weak acids and weak bases in which case they would be called weak electrolytes. For example: Acetic acid and ammonium hydroxide.

- It is possible to have covalently bonded electrolytes which would typically be weak electrolytes. For example: Hydrochloric acid.

- An electrolyte is always needed in any type of cell for the transfer of ions and electrons through it without which the cell wouldn't function.