What are the different characteristics of an electrolytes and non-electrolytes?

Question

What are the different characteristics of an electrolytes and non-electrolytes?

Answer 1

An electrolyte is a solution of something that dissolves and which conducts current through the solution.  

So the big requirement for an electrolyte is that it contains something that is charged.  With no charge it cannot carry current.   The charged item is contained in such a manner that it can move in order to carry the current.  Usually this means it is dissolved in water, but not always, it's sufficient if the charge can move.  It helps if the charge/weight ratio is high.  Examples are water solutions of salts, acids, or bases.  

Non electrolytes do not have these properties.  They generally don't conduct current (referring to solutions).  If a non-electrolyte does conduct current (metals) it does it without motion of charged molecules, they are conductors, not electrolytes.