During electrolysis, which statement correctly describes how the current in the electrolyte is carried?

• A. The current is carried by mobile ions in the electrolyte
• B. The current is carried by electrons moving through the electrolyte
• C. The current does not require ions
• D. The cathode is always positive

Answer: (A)

In electrolysis the current in the electrolyte is carried by mobile ions. When a voltage is applied, charged particles in the solution move: positively charged ions (cations) migrate toward the cathode, while negatively charged ions (anions) migrate toward the anode. This movement of ions conducts electricity inside the liquid. Electrons themselves don’t move through the liquid; they travel in the external circuit to and from the electrodes, where redox reactions occur.

The cathode is not always positive in this setup; in electrolysis the cathode is negative because it attracts cations to gain electrons.