What defines an electrolyte?

An electrolyte is defined as a substance that separates into charged ions when dissolved in water. This property is essential because the ions produced, such as sodium or chloride, are what allow solutions to conduct electricity. In many chemical and biological processes, the presence of these charged particles is crucial for maintaining functions such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

The other descriptions do not accurately define an electrolyte. While some substances may reduce or increase pH, these characteristics do not inherently relate to the ionic dissociation required to qualify as an electrolyte. Additionally, a substance that does not interact with water would typically not dissolve to form ions, making it incapable of being classified as an electrolyte. Thus, the correct answer encompasses the fundamental nature of electrolytes and their behavior in aqueous solutions.