Electrolyte

An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into free ionswhen dissolved(or molten), to produce an electrically conductivemedium. Because they generally consist of ions in solution, electrolytes are also known as ionic solutions. They are sometimes referred to in abbreviated jargonas lytes.

Electrolytes generally exist as acids, basesor salts. Furthermore, some gasesmay act as electrolytes under conditions of high temperature or low pressure.

An electrolyte may be described as concentrated if it has a high concentrationof ions; or dilute, a low concentration of ions. If a high proportion of the dissolved solutedissociates to form free ions, the solution is strong; if most of the dissolved solute does not dissociate, the solution is weak.

The properties of electrolytes may be exploited via electrolysisto extract constituent elementsand compoundscontained within the solution.

Physiology

In physiology, the primary ions of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate.

All higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte balance between the intracellularand extracellularmilieu. In particular, the maintenance of precise osmoticgradientsof electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the hydrationof the body, bloodpH, and are critical for nerveand musclefunction.

Electrolyte balance is maintained by oral intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is regulated by hormones, generally with the kidneysflushing out excess levels. In humans, salt homeostasisis regulated by hormones such as antidiuretic hormone, aldosteroneand parathyroid hormone. Serious electrolyte disturbancesmay lead to cardiac and neurological complications, and most are medical emergencies.

Measurement of electrolytes is a commonly performed diagnostic procedure, performed via blood testingor urinalysis. The interpretation of these values is somewhat meaningless without analysis of the clinical history, and is often impossible without parallel measurement of renal function. Electrolytes measured most often are sodium and potassium. Chloride levels are rarely measured except for arterial blood gasinterpretation, as therefore they are inherently linked to sodium levels.

Nutrition

Electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts are used to replenish the body's water and electrolyte levels after dehydrationcaused by exercise, diaphoresis, diarrhea, vomitingor starvation. Giving pure water to such a person is not the best way to restore fluid levels, because it dilutes the salts inside the body's cells and interferes with their chemical functions. This can lead to water intoxication.

Sports drinks such as Gatoradeare electrolyte drinks with large amounts of added carbohydrates, such as glucose, to provide energy. The drinks commonly sold to the public are isotonic(with osmolalityclose to that of blood), with hypotonic(with a lower osmolality) and hypertonic(with a higher osmolality) varieties available to athletes, depending on their nutritional needs.

Because sports drinks contain very high levels of sugar, they are not recommended for regular use by children. Rather, specially-formulated pediatric electrolyte solutions are recommended. (Also, dentists recommend that regular consumers of sports drinks observe precautions against tooth decay.)

Electrolyte and sports drinks can be home-made by using the correct proportions of sugar, salt and water. [1]

Uses in electrochemistry

The behaviour of electrolytes in electrochemistryis discussed further in the electrolysisarticle.

Electrolytic conductors are used in electronic devices where the chemical action at a metal/electrolyte interface yields useful effects.

• In batteriesthe effect is used to store energy as chemical fuelon the surface of metal plates, and the electrolyte also serves as a conductor, which connects the plates electrically.
• In some fuel cells, a solid electrolyte or proton conductorconnects the plates electrically while keeping the hydrogen and oxygen fuel gases separated.
• In electroplatingtanks, the electrolyte simultaneously deposits metal onto the object to be plated, and electrically connects that object in the circuit.
• In operation-hours gauges, two thin columns of mercuryare separated by a small electrolyte-filled gap, and, as charge is passed through the device, the metal dissolves on one side and plates out on the other, causing the visible gap to slowly move along.
• In electrolytic capacitorsthe chemical effect is used to produce an extremely thin 'dielectric' or insulatingcoating, while the electrolyte layer behaves as one capacitor plate.
• In some hygrometersthe humidity of air is sensed by measuring the conductivity of a nearly dry electrolyte. Hot, softened glass is an electrolytic conductor, and some glass manufacturers keep the glass molten by passing a large electric current through it.bg:??????????

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyte Wikipedia article Electrolyte.