Tag: Covalent compound

Despite being a key component of urine, a solution that contains many electrolytes, urea itself does not conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This surprising fact clarifies that urea is, in fact, a non-electrolyte under standard conditions.

Did you know that a substance's ability to conduct electricity in water determines if it's an electrolyte? This fundamental chemical property helps to clarify what type of electrolyte is table sugar—or more accurately, why it isn't one at all.

According to the World Health Organization, a simple oral rehydration solution contains a specific mix of clean water, salt, and sugar. However, can sugar be used as an electrolyte on its own? The simple answer is no, and understanding the fundamental chemical differences between sugar and true electrolytes is key to grasping proper hydration science.