electrolito

An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in a polar solvent, typically water, or when melted. The presence of mobile ions allows the solution or melt to conduct electricity. Common electrolytes include soluble salts, acids, and bases; substances that do not produce mobile ions are called non-electrolytes and conduct poorly.

In biology, electrolytes refer to minerals in body fluids that carry electric charges, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate. They regulate nerve impulses, muscle function, hydration, and acid-base balance, and they help transport nutrients and maintain proper blood pH and fluid distribution.

In electrochemistry and energy storage, electrolytes provide the charge carriers for devices such as batteries, electroplating baths, fuel cells, and electrolysis cells. They can be aqueous or non-aqueous, molten salts, polymer gels, or solid-state salts. The choice of electrolyte affects conductivity, electrochemical stability, and safety. Examples include aqueous solutions of sodium chloride or sulfuric acid, as well as lithium salt solutions used in lithium-ion batteries.

Strong electrolytes fully dissociate into ions in solution, while weak electrolytes only partially dissociate. Non-electrolytes do not dissociate into ions. Conductivity increases with ion concentration and temperature, and decreases with high viscosity or limited ion mobility. The concept, introduced by Svante Arrhenius in the late 19th century, remains fundamental to chemistry, biology, and energy technologies.