The statement that best describes an electrolyte is: "An ionic solute that has been dissolved in a solvent and conducts electricity."
Explanation:
1. An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in a solvent.
2. Ionic compounds dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, allowing them to conduct electricity.
3. The presence of free ions in the solution enables the flow of electric current.
4. Examples of electrolytes include salts like sodium chloride (NaCl) and acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl).
5. In contrast, covalent solutes do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in a solvent, so they do not conduct electricity.
