Final answer:
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong electrolyte that completely dissociates into sodium and hydroxide ions in solution, therefore it is not a non-electrolyte. It is widely used in industrial applications and is highly caustic, requiring careful handling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is an ionic compound that dissociates completely in water to form sodium (Na+) and hydroxide (OH−) ions. It is classified as a strong electrolyte and a strong base, not a non-electrolyte. Each formula unit of NaOH in aqueous solution separates to produce one Na+ ion and one OH− ion, leading to the same molar concentration of ions as the original NaOH concentration. This results in a high conductivity of the solution because of the free movement of these ions.
Sodium hydroxide has a wide range of industrial uses, including being the active ingredient in drain cleaners. It is formed from the alkali metal sodium and a polyatomic ion (OH−), making it a strong base that can lead to severe burns if not handled carefully. NaOH is also utilized in the manufacture of soaps and is known by the common name lye. In aqueous solution, it undergoes a reaction:
NaOH(aq) → Na+ (aq) + OH−(aq)
This complete dissociation into ions is indicative of a strong electrolyte, not a non-electrolyte, which would not dissociate into ions.