Science Common Sense

1314 - What is the difference between an electrolyte and a non-electrolyte as shown in the experiment of electric conduction of a water solution.

Imagine you have two solutions: one with sugar (sucrose) and the other with salt (sodium chloride).

A non-electrolyte solution (sugar solution) is one that doesn't break down into tiny particles that can carry electricity when you add it to water. This means it can't conduct electricity because there are no tiny particles (ions) moving around.

On the other hand, an electrolyte solution (salt solution) breaks down into tiny particles called ions that can carry electricity when you add it to water. This means it can conduct electricity because these ions (like sodium and chloride) can move around and carry electricity.

In an experiment with a light bulb, a salt solution can light up the bulb because the ions help electricity flow through the solution, but a sugar solution will not light up the bulb because it lacks these ions.