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Electrolytes are compounds that conduct electricity in aqueous solutions. Which compound in your table are electrolytes? Which are not?

A) The compounds with covalent bonds are electrolytes.
B) Ionic compounds are electrolytes, while covalent compounds are not.
C) Both ionic and covalent compounds are electrolytes.
D) Neither ionic nor covalent compounds are electrolytes.

User Zdan
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Final answer:

The correct answer is (B) Ionic compounds are electrolytes, while covalent compounds are not, although some polar covalent compounds also behave as electrolytes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To answer which compounds are electrolytes, we look at their ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water (aqueous solutions) or when melted. Ionic compounds are composed of cations and anions that dissociate in water, allowing the free movement of these ions, making the solution an electrical conductor. Therefore, ionic compounds are electrolytes. On the other hand, covalent compounds usually do not dissociate into ions in solution. However, there are exceptions; certain polar covalent compounds, such as HCl and H₂SO₄, react with water to form ions, thus acting as electrolytes. In general, most molecular compounds (covalent compounds) do not conduct electricity and are considered nonelectrolytes. So, the correct answer is that ionic compounds are electrolytes, while not all covalent compounds are electrolytes; it depends on their ability to ionize in solution.

In summary, based on the information provided, the correct option is (B) Ionic compounds are electrolytes, while covalent compounds are not. However, keep in mind some polar covalent compounds can also be electrolytes.

User Kris Nuttycombe
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