Electrolytes

Electrolytes are species giving rise to ions. Ions are charged particles, atoms or molecules that have an excess or deficit of electrons. Ions are either positive (cations) or negative (anions). Strong electrolytes are completely ionized even in the solid and fused states. In solution the ions are free to move about. Weak electolytes are ionized only to a small amount, the extent of ionization increasing with greater dilution.