Electrolyte: GCSE Chemistry Definition

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Published

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2 minutes

What is an electrolyte?

In GCSE chemistry, an electrolyte is an ionic compound which is able to conduct electricity when it is molten or aqueous (dissolved in water). An electrolyte can conduct electricity because the ions are free to move and carry a charge. 

Diagram of an electrolysis setup with a power supply, negative cathode, positive anode, and labelled cations and anions in an electrolyte solution.
The electrolyte is the liquid that can conduct electricity

During electrolysis, electricity is passed through the electrolyte, resulting in the ions moving to electrodes. Positively charged ions will move to the negative electrode (the cathode) and negatively charged ions will move to the positive electrode (the anode). Ions will be discharged at the electrode to produce the corresponding element. Electrolysis will not work with a solid ionic compound because the ions are unable to move.

Diagram showing electrical conductivity of ionic compounds: ordered ions in solid form and dispersed ions in molten/solution form.
Electrical conductivity of ionic compounds

For example, during the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide, lead(II) bromide is the electrolyte, consisting of positively charged lead ions, and negatively charged bromide ions. When electricity is passed through the electrolyte, the lead ions move to the cathode, and the bromide ions move to the anode. Lead ions will be discharged and form lead metal. Bromide ions will be discharged to form bromine. 

Electrolyte Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Make sure you use our detailed revision notes on electrolytes and electrolysis to really boost your grades. These clearly explain the process of electrolysis for various electrolytes while our electrolysis exam questions will show you how marks are awarded and help refine your exam technique. The electrolysis flashcards are perfect for testing your knowledge of key terms, helping you retain essential information and feel confident in your exams.

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

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