An electrolyte is a ............

Options

A. metal
B. sugar
C. cell
D. liquid that conducts electricity

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Definition of an Electrolyte:**
An electrolyte is defined as a substance that, when dissolved in a solvent (usually water), dissociates into ions. These ions are capable of conducting electricity.

2. **Identifying the Characteristics of Electrolytes:**
- Electrolytes can be in the form of liquids or aqueous solutions.
- They must contain ions that are free to move, which allows them to conduct electric current.

3. **Examples of Electrolytes:**
Common examples of electrolytes include sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). When these substances dissolve in water, they break apart into their respective ions (e.g., Na⁺ and Cl⁻ for NaCl).

4. **Conductivity Mechanism:**
The ability of electrolytes to conduct electricity is due to the movement of these ions. In a solution, when an electric potential is applied (like connecting to a battery), the positive ions move towards the negative electrode (cathode) and the negative ions move towards the positive electrode (anode).

5. **Conclusion:**
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "An electrolyte is a ............" is that an electrolyte is a liquid or a solution that can conduct electricity due to the presence of free-moving ions.

**Final Answer:**
An electrolyte is a liquid or a solution that can conduct electricity.

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