What effect do electrolytes have on a solution?

Electrolytes are substances that, when dissolved in a solvent, dissociate into ions. This process creates charged particles in the solution, which are essential for the conduction of electricity. The presence of these ions allows the solution to carry electrical current, making it conductive. For instance, common table salt (sodium chloride) dissolves in water to produce sodium ions and chloride ions, which facilitate the flow of electric current.

While it is true that electrolytes can also influence other properties of solutions, such as raising the boiling point or lowering the freezing point, their primary role pertains to their ability to enhance electrical conductivity. Hence, the statement that electrolytes enable the solution to conduct electricity accurately captures their fundamental effect within a solution.