Electrolyte << ih LEHK truh lyt >> is a substance that conducts electric current. Most electrolytes must be dissolved in water or some other solvent. A battery contains an electrolyte in either a liquid or a pasty solution. Liquid electrolytes are used in electrolysis, electroplating, and other chemical processes.
When an electrolyte dissolves, it releases positive and negative ions (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms). These released ions carry electric charges between two electrodes immersed in the solution, called the cathode and the anode. Cations carry positive electric charges toward the cathode. Anions carry negative electric charges toward the anode.
Strong electrolytes release many ions and conduct electric current well. These electrolytes include strong acids and bases, and most salts. Weak electrolytes, such as acetic acid, release few ions and conduct poorly. Nonelectrolytes, such as sugar, release no ions and form nonconducting solutions.
A few electrolytes conduct electric current as solids. In these solid electrolytes, the ions can move and carry charges without adding a solvent.
See also Battery; Electrolysis; Electroplating; Ion.
