Michael Faraday classified substances into two categories: electrolytes, which conduct electricity in their aqueous solutions, and non electrolytes, which do not conduct electricity. Electrolytes are classified into strong and weak electrolytes, with strong electrolytes being almost completely ionized upon dissolution in water, and weak electrolytes being only partially dissociated.

Acetic acid, a weak electrolyte, mainly contains unionized acetic acid molecules and some acetate and hydronium ions. In weak electrolytes, equilibrium is established between ions and the unionized molecules, known as ionic equilibrium. Acids, bases, and salts are electrolytes that can act as either strong or weak electrolytes. Acids, such as hydrochloric acid, are essential for digestive processes and are found in various foods such as vinegar, lemon and orange juices, and tamarind paste. Acids taste sour and can turn blue litmus paper into red, while bases turn red litmus paper blue, taste bitter, and feel soapy.

When acids and bases are mixed in the right proportion, they react to give salts, such as sodium chloride, barium sulphate, and sodium nitrate. Sodium chloride, an essential component of our diet, is formed by the reaction between hydrochloride acid and sodium hydroxide.