Substances can be classified into strong, weak, or non electrolytes based on how well they dissociate/ionize (split into ions) when dissolved in water. Do not confuse this with how soluble they are. It does not matter how much of the substance dissolves. We look at what does dissolve and how much of that dissociates.
For example, Ca(OH)₂ is not very soluble in water, but it is a very strong electrolyte. Although not much Ca(OH)₂ dissolves, all of it that does dissolve will split into ions.
Strong Electrolyte
Strong electrolytes are substances that, when dissolved, completely ionize. Here are types of substances that are strong electrolytes ↴
– Ionic compounds
– Strong acids
– Strong bases
Weak Electrolyte
Weak electrolytes, when dissolved, only partially ionize. Here are some types of substances that are weak electrolytes ↴
– Weak acids
– Weak bases
– Water
Non Electrolyte
Nonelectrolytes do not ionize at all when dissolved in water. Molecular compounds are nonelectrolytes because they cannot split up into ions. They are made of distinct molecules. Here are some types of substances that are non electrolytes ↴
– Individual Atoms
– Molecular Substances
– Mixtures
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