Electrolysis is the process of passing an electric current through a substance in the molten or aqueous state thereby decomposing it. Electrodes, electrolytes and salt solution are the major components involved in the process of electrolysis. Electrolyte plays a major role in the process. Let us read more about it.
What is an electrolyte?
An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates in water into charged particles called ions. Positively charged ions are called cations. Negatively charged ions are called anions. Simply, an electrolyte is a substance that can conduct an electric current when melted or dissolved in water.
Types of electrolyte
- Strong Electrolytes – Electrolytes are chemical species that conduct electricity when dissolved in solution.
- Weak electrolytes – An electrolyte that ionises to a small extent in solution is called weak electrolyte.
The difference between strong and weak electrolytes
The difference between strong and weak electrolytes are tabulated below.
| Strong electrolyte | Weak electrolyte |
| The electrolytes which are completely ionised, called strong electrolytes. | The electrolytes which are partially ionised called strong electrolytes. |
| The extension of ionisation is more. | The extension of ionisation is less. |
| They have high electrical conductivity. | They have low electrical conductivity. |
| Ostwald’s dilution law is not applicable. | Ostwald’s dilution law is applicable. |
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