Which of the following describes an electrolyte?

An electrolyte is defined as a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. When an electrolyte dissolves, it disassociates into ions that can move freely in the solution, thus allowing electrical current to flow. This ability to conduct electricity in liquid form makes the choice describing it as a conductor in liquid form accurate.

In practical applications, electrolytes are critical for various processes, including battery operation and electrolysis. Understanding that they function primarily in a liquid state helps clarify their role in systems where ionic movement and charge transfer are essential.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what an electrolyte is. A solid conductor typically refers to metallic conductors that transmit electricity without dissociation into ions. A type of resistor highlights a component that resists the flow of current rather than facilitating it. A source of electron flow generally points to a more direct electrical source, like a battery, rather than focusing on the conductive properties of a dissolved substance.