Final answer:
Electrolytes are substances that carry an electric charge in body fluids and are essential for various functions in the human body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrolytes are substances that produce electrically conducting solutions when dissolved in water or another polar solvent. In the human body, electrolytes play an essential role in various functions, including nerve impulse conduction, muscle contractions, and water balance. They are ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+2), chloride (Cl-), carbonate (CO3-2), bicarbonate (HCO3), and phosphate (PO3-) that carry an electric charge. Sports drinks and dietary supplements contain electrolytes to replenish those lost through sweating during exercise.