How Can I Tell if a Compound Is an Electrolyte

An ionic compound contains a cation (which is either a metal ion or the ammonium ion) and an anion (which may be atomic or polyatomic). A binary componnd that contains a metal and a nonmetal is almost always ionic. This is a good time to review the polyatomic anions in Table 2.8 [M Section 2.7]. Yon will need to be able to recognize them in the formnlas of componnds. Any ionic componnd that dissolves in water is a strong electrolyte. 

If a molecular compound is not an acid, you must then consider whether or not it is a weak base. Many weak bases are relat- 

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