Chemistry Regents Practice Test

Which compounds can be classified as electrolytes?

1. Salts and organic acids

2. All organic compounds

3. Inorganic bases only

4. Only strong acids

The correct answer is: Salts and organic acids

Compounds that can be classified as electrolytes are those that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, thereby conducting electricity. Salts, which are ionic compounds formed from the reaction of acids and bases, readily dissociate into their constituent ions in solution. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociates into sodium (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-), allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Organic acids, such as acetic acid, can also act as electrolytes because they ionize in solution, releasing protons (H+) and creating anions. This property allows them to conduct electricity as well. In contrast, not all organic compounds behave as electrolytes; many are covalent and do not produce ions in solution. Therefore, while inorganic bases and strong acids can act as electrolytes, they alone do not constitute all the types of electrolytes found in solution, as indicated by the correct choice.