What do we call compounds that ionize in water and produce a solution that can conduct electricity?

Compounds that ionize in water and produce a solution capable of conducting electricity are known as electrolytes. When an electrolyte dissolves in water, it dissociates into ions, which are charged particles. This dissociation allows the solution to conduct an electric current due to the movement of these ions.

Electrolytes are crucial in various biological processes and applications, including nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction in living organisms. They are also important in various industrial and chemical processes where electrical conductivity is required.

The other terms listed refer to different concepts. Solvates refer to molecules that are surrounding solute particles in a solution but do not necessarily indicate the ability to conduct electricity. Acids and bases are specific types of electrolytes but do not encompass all electrolytes, which include salts and other ionic compounds that also ionize in solution. Acids typically release hydrogen ions in water, while bases produce hydroxide ions, but not all electrolytes are classified as either an acid or a base.