Nate Ratino, age 15, of Albuquerque, N.M., for his question:

WHAT IS AN ELECTROLYTE:

An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when it is dissolved in water. A battery contains an electrolyte in either a liquid or pasty solution.

Liquid electrolytes are used in electrolysis, electroplating and other chemical processes.

When an electrolyte dissolves, it releases equal numbers of positive and negative ions. Ions are electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms. These ions carry electric charges between electrodes immersed in the solution. Cations carry positive charges toward the cathode or negative electrode. Anions carry negative charges toward the anode or positive electrode.

Strong electrolytes release many ions and conduct electricity well. These electrolytes include strong acids and bases, and most salts. Weak electrolytes, such as acetic acid, release few ions and conduct poorly.

Non electrolytes, such as sugar, release no ions and form non conducting solutions.