Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What are chemicals that become ionic conductors when dissolved in water called?

1. Solutes

2. Electrolytes

3. Non-electrolytes

4. Acids

The correct answer is: Electrolytes

The correct answer identifies electrolytes, which are substances that, when dissolved in water, dissociate into ions and thus become capable of conducting electricity. This is crucial for many physiological processes in the body, including nerve conduction and muscle function. Electrolytes are present in various forms, such as salts, acids, and bases, and they play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and regulating normal cell function. In contrast, solutes are simply substances that are dissolved in a solvent, which may or may not conduct electricity. Non-electrolytes do not dissociate into ions when dissolved and therefore cannot conduct electricity, while acids are a specific type of electrolyte that release hydrogen ions (H+) in solution. Understanding the role of electrolytes is fundamental in fields such as medicine and biology, especially in situations involving fluid and electrolyte imbalances in patients.