Electrolytes are important in your body and in the lab.
Here's a look at what electrolytes are and why they matter.
What Are
Electrolytes?
Electrolyets are chemicals that form ions in water (aqueous
solution). Electrolytes form two types of ions in water. Cations are
positively charged ions, while anions are negatively charged ions. Generally,
electrolytes are salts, acids, and bases. Here is a list of common
electrolytes in the human body:
- sodium (Na+)
- potassium (K+)
- calcium (Ca2+)
- magnesium (Mg2+)
- bicarbonate (HCO3-)
- chloride (Cl-)
- hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-)
- hydrogen phosphate (HPO42-)
Why Are Electrolytes
Important?
In the body, electrolytes are like the electric company,
supplying energy to perform biochemical reactions. For example, electrolytes
are critical for conducting nerve impulses, contracting and relaxing muscles,
cell-cell communication. maintaining pH, regulating blood and cell volume,
regulating heartbeat, and breathing.
In the lab, it's important to be able to recognize
electrolytes so you know what chemical species are formed in water and what
types of reactions are possible.
What Are Sources of
Electrolytes?
In a lab, any salt, base or acid is a source of
electrolytes, as long as it is dissolved in water.
In your body, you get electrolytes from food and drinks.
Sports drinks are a popular source of electrolytes. You get sodium and chlorine
from salt. Other electrolytes are found as minerals in foods. For example,
bananas are high in potassium.
