Answer:
a. electrolytes
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrolytes are substances that, when dissolved in water or in a solvent, dissociate into ions. In other words, they break apart into positively and negatively charged particles called ions. These ions are responsible for the conductivity of the solution, as they can move and carry electric charge.
When an electrolyte dissolves in water, the positive and negative ions become surrounded by water molecules through a process called hydration. This hydration allows the ions to move freely in the solution and carry electric charge, enabling the solution to conduct electricity.
Common examples of electrolytes include salts like sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium sulfate (K2SO4), and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2). These substances, when dissolved in water, readily dissociate into their respective ions: Na+ and Cl-, K+ and SO42-, Ca2+ and 2NO3-. Other examples of electrolytes include acids, bases, and some other ionic compounds.