What are substances that dissociate to form free ions when dissolved, making the solution conductive?

The substances that dissociate to form free ions when dissolved, which in turn makes the solution conductive, are known as electrolytes. Electrolytes typically include salts, acids, and bases that break apart into ions in a solvent, usually water. This dissociation results in the presence of charged particles in the solution, which facilitates the conduction of electricity.

In contrast, solvents are typically the mediums in which substances dissolve, while non-electrolytes do not dissociate into ions and therefore do not contribute to electrical conductivity. Acids can be classified as electrolytes when they are able to dissociate into ions, but the term is broader and includes all substances that form ions, not just acids. Thus, electrolytes encompass a wider category of substances capable of conducting electricity when dissolved.