Question

What is responsible for the flow of current through (I) metallic conductor (ii) electrolyte

Answer 1

(i) In a metallic conductor , free electrons are responsible for the flow of current.

(ii) In an electrolyte , both the positive and negative ions are responsible for the flow of current.

Answer 2

The detailed discussion about the flow of current through metallic conductor and electrolyte.

Explanation:

(I) Metallic conductor

• Free electrons are responsible for the flow of current in a metallic conductor.
• The particles that carry charge through wires in a circuit are moving electrons.
• The direction of the electric field within a circuit is by definition the direction of pushing the positive test charges.
• Thus, these negatively charged electrons move in the opposite direction to the electric field.

(ii) Electrolyte

• In an electrolyte, ions move towards the cathode or anode depending on their charge.
• When a wire is connected between the cathode and the anode, electrons leave the cathode and enter the anode.
• Thus in an electrolyte, the movement of ions is responsible for the electric current.