Final answer:
Substances that dissolve in water to release ions and conduct electricity are called electrolytes. These include ionic compounds that dissociate into ions and covalent compounds that react with water to form ions. Strong electrolytes ionize completely, whereas weak electrolytes ionize partially.
Step-by-step explanation:
Substances that release ions when dissolved in water are known as electrolytes. These can be either ionic compounds that dissociate into their respective cations and anions or covalent compounds like acids and bases that chemically react with water to produce ions. When these substances dissolve in water, they can conduct electricity, which is why they are termed as electrolytes. For instance, table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) when dissolved in water, dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-), both of which are considered electrolytes.
Substances like table sugar, which dissolve to form a solution but do not release ions, are called nonelectrolytes as they don't conduct electricity. Strong electrolytes ionize completely in solution, while weak electrolytes only partially ionize. It is important to differentiate between strong and weak electrolytes in both chemical studies and medical applications, where electrolyte balance is crucial for body functions.