The dissociation of ionic compounds always creates an equal number of positive
and negative charges in solution. One mole of NaCl will dissociate into 1 mole
of Na+ ions and 1 mole of Cl− ions, and 1 mole of CaBr 2 will dissociate into 2
moles of Br− ions and 1 mole of Ca2+ ions. Both of these solutions have equal
amounts of positive and negative charges, and both are therefore neutral.
Although these solutions are neutral, the presence of charged particles—ions—
enables the solution to conduct electricity. This is why ionic solutions are also
called electrolytic solutions, and we call the ions electrolytes.