Types of Electrolytes

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There are three types of electrolytes: Strong, weak and non electrolytes.

Strong electrolytes

A strong electrolyte is one which undergoes complete ionization when dissolved in water. The solution contains only the ions and not molecules.

Examples:

HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, NaOH, Ca(OH)₂, NaCl, KCl, CH₃COONa etc.

Weak electrolytes

A weak electrolyte is one which undergoes partial ionization or dissociation. Here, in solution the ions and the dissociated molecules will be in equilibrium with each other. When such a solution is diluted, the degree of ionization increases. It becomes complete at infinite dilution.

Examples:

HCOOH, CH₃COOH, NH₄OH, CH₃NH₂, CH₃COONH₄, H₃PO₄ etc.

Non-electrolytes

A substance which doesn't allow the electric current to pass through is called a non electrolyte. These substances have no ions. Therefore they do not ionize in water. (Covalent compounds).

Examples: C₆H₆, toluene, sugar, urea, CH₄, C₂H₆ etc.