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Class 8, Science, Chapter-11, Lecture-1, Electrolyte (Notes)

ELECTROLYTE: 

A compound which furnishes ions in solution state or in fused form and allows electricity to pass through it is called an electrolyte.

Examples:

  • Solution of copper sulphate in water
  • Solution of Acid in water
  • Solution of Base in water
  • Solution of Salt in water
  • Fused Aluminium Oxide

Copper Sulphate is an Electrolyte. 

Reason:
Copper Sulphate furnishes ions when dissolved in water and allows electricity to pass through it. 
So, it is an electrolyte.

Aluminium Oxide is an Electrolyte. 

Reason:
Aluminium Oxide furnishes ions when in molten state and allows electricity to pass through it. 
So, it is an electrolyte.

Distilled Water is NOT an Electrolyte. 

Reason:
Distilled water does not contain ions and does not allow electricity to pass through it. 
So, it is not an electrolyte.

Tap Water is an Electrolyte. 

Reason:
Tap water contains various salts. So it furnishes ions and allows electricity to pass through it. 
So, tap water is an electrolyte.

STRONG ELECTROLYTE: 

An electrolyte which furnishes more ions in solution state or in fused form and allows more electricity to pass through it is called an electrolyte.

WEAK ELECTROLYTE: 

An electrolyte which furnishes less ions in solution state or in fused form and allows less electricity to pass through it easily is called an electrolyte.

ELECTROLYTIC CELL: 

A vessel containing electrolyte and two solid conducting rods which is used for carrying chemical reactions by passing electric current is called an electrolytic cell.

COMPONENTS: 

  1. Electrolyte: A solution containing ions
  2. Anode: Electrode connected to the +ve terminal of battery. (OXIDATION at ANODE)
  3. Cathode: Electrode connected to the -ve terminal of battery. (REDUCTION at CATHODE)

ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL: 

A device which generates electrical current from chemical reaction is called Electrochemical Cell.