Question

What must be present in an aqueous solution for it to conduct an electric current? What general classes of compounds form solutions that conduct?

Short answer

Ions must be present in an aqueous solution for it to conduct an electric current. General classes of compounds form solutions that conduct are electrolytes acids and bases.

Step-by-step solution

 Step 1: Define electrolytes

Electrolytes are those compounds that are basically salt and when they are dissolved in water it becomes dissociate into ions and their solution conduct electricity.

Step 2: Determine Classes of compounds form a solution that conducts electricity

Since Ions contain a positive or negative charge through which they conduct the electricity in the solution hence those compounds or substances which produce ions in the aqueous solution can conduct electric current.

The classes of compounds that form solutions are electrolytes, acids, and bases.