Source: Electrolytes advertisement, Vitacost

Have you ever seen an advertisement like the one to the right and wondered what the term "electrolytes" meant?

Our bodies are like electrical machines. All our bodily functions happen because there are electrical signals being sent between the various parts of the body and the brain. These electrical signals are conducted through electrolytes.

In chemistry, we talk about electrolytes and electrolytic solutions. Electrolytic solutions conduct electricity. They contain substances that will dissociate into ions. Dissociation occurs when an ionic compound is dissolved in water. The molecules break apart into free-moving ions that conduct electricity. (Note: ionic compounds that are in the molten or liquid state will also break into ions and conduct electricity.) Non-electrolytic solutions do not conduct electricity. They contain substances that will not dissociate into ions. These substances are usually covalent compounds, insoluble in water, or in the solid state.

Remember the following:

• If you have a metal and non-metal bonding, it is an ionic compound.
• If you have two non-metals bonding, it is a covalent compound.

Let’s review some compounds and determine how they are bonded. Click on the formulas that are ionic compounds. If you are correct, the box will turn green; if not, the box will turn red. Use your periodic table to help you.