Question

The passage of electricity through an electrolyte solution is caused by

Answer 1

The passage of electricity through an electrolyte solution occurs because of ion movement, specifically the migration of cations and anions to the respective electrodes, which can result in oxidation or reduction reactions such as the generation of chlorine gas or the electrolysis of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage of electricity through an electrolyte solution is caused by the movement of ions within the solution. When a direct current of electricity is passed through a solution, such as NaCl in water, the Na+ ions migrate towards the negative electrode (cathode), while the Cl− ions move towards the positive electrode (anode). At the anode, oxidation occurs and gaseous chlorine is produced when chloride ions give up an electron to the electrode. The number of ions and their mobility dictate the electrical conductance of the solution; thus the concentration of ions is directly related to how well the solution can conduct electricity. Electrolysis is an application of this process where electricity, provided by a battery, is forced through a substance to induce a chemical reaction such as the formation of hydrogen and oxygen gases from the electrolysis of water containing an electrolyte like H2SO4.

Answer 2

The Electrolyte when dissolved in polar solvent like H₂O dissociates into positive specie called Cation and a negative specie called Anion. When an electric current is applied to Electrodes dipped in solution of electrolyte, the cations move toward the negative electrode while anions move towards positive electrode. At electrodes the exchange of electrons take place.

Result:
So, the passage of current in electrolyte solution is due to both Cations and Anions.