Which of the following are examples of electrolytes?

Electrolytes are substances that, when dissolved in water, dissociate into ions and are capable of conducting electricity. This characteristic is essential in various bodily functions, including fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve conduction.

Acids and salts are prime examples of electrolytes because they can ionize in solution. For instance, when an acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl) is dissolved in water, it splits into hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl-), allowing it to conduct electricity. Similarly, common salts such as sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociate into sodium (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) when dissolved in water, also facilitating electrical conductivity.

In contrast, oils and fats do not dissociate into ions and do not conduct electricity; rather, they are non-polar substances. Water, while a vital solvent, is not considered an electrolyte itself despite being the medium in which electrolytes are dissolved. Sugar does not ionize in solution, so it also does not classify as an electrolyte. Glucose and alcohol are similarly non-electrolytic compounds and do not dissociate into ions in solution. Therefore, the substances that truly exhibit the properties of electrolytes are indeed acids and salts.