Voltaic Cell

Electrolyte

Electrolytes are substances that can conduct electricity in molten or

aqueous state and undergo chemical changes.

It can conduct electricity due to the presence of free moving ions.

Example for electrolytes (alkalis, acids, salt solution or molten salt):

molten lead(II) chloride

copper(II) sulphate solution

solution containing ions such as hydrochloride acid

Non-electrolyte

Non-electrolytes are molecules that cannot conduct electricity and will not
undergo any chemical changes.

It cannot conduct electricity due to the absent of free moving ions.

Example of non-electrolytes (covalent substances):

molten acetone

molten naphthalene

glucose solution

Conductor

Conductors are substances that can conduct electricity in solid or molten

state but do not undergo any chemical changes.

It can conduct electricity due to the flow of electrons.

Example of conductor:

iron

graphite

mercury

Ionic Compounds
Solid state

Molten state or
aqueous state
(dissolved in water)

Do not conduct
electricity

Can conduct electricity

Ions are held in a

lattice

Ions do not move freely Ions are free to move

Covalent Compounds
Solid state

Molten state or
aqueous state
(dissolved in water)

Do not conduct
electricity

Do not conduct
electricity

Exist in molecules

Exist in molecules

Molecules do not have Exception: HCl and

free moving ions
NH3 exist as free moving
ions in water