Difference between Electrolyte and Conductor


It is a well-known fact that the electric current is the flow of charges. This charge may be carried by electrons or ions. Hence based on the charge carriers and physical state, there are two types of substances used for current conduction namely electrolytes and conductors.

Both electrolytes and conductors are used to carry the electric current, however there are several differences between them. This article will help you understand the major differences between an electrolyte and a conductor.

What is an Electrolyte?

An electrolyte is a substance whose aqueous solutions are the conductors of electricity. In simple words, a substance is called an electrolyte if it conducts electricity in only molten state.

The electrolyte conducts the electricity due to a dissociation into positively charged particles and negatively charged particles. These charged particles of electrolyte are called ions. Where, the positively charged ions are known as cations, while the negatively charged particle are known as anions.

The common examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium etc. because all these conducts electricity in their molten form. The electrolytes most commonly used in electrolytic cells and batteries to produce electricity.

What is a Conductor?

A conductor or metallic conductor is a substance that can conduct electricity in solid state as well as in molten state. Basically, a conductor is a metal that contains free conduction electrons to conduct electricity. Therefore, in case of conductors, the charge carries for the electric current conduction are electrons only.

The common examples of conductors are silver, aluminium, copper, etc. The unique feature of metallic conductors is that when electric current flows through the metallic conductors, there is no change in the physical state or composition of the conductor. The metallic conductors are widely used form cables and wires for conduction of electricity from one point to another.

Difference between Electrolyte and Conductor

Both electrolytes and conductors are used to conduct electricity. However, there are many differences between them that are highlighted in the following table −

Basis of Difference Electrolyte Conductor
Definition A substance that conducts electricity in only its molten form or solution in water is called electrolyte. Sometimes, it is also called electrolytic conductor. A substance that can conduct electricity in its solid state as well as liquid state is called a conductor or metallic conductor.
Charge carriers In electrolytes, the flow of electric current is due to positive ions (cations) and negative ions (anions). The flow of electric current in conductor is due to electrons only, which flows from negative electrode to positive electrode.
Physical state Electrolytes conduct electricity only in their molten form or aqueous solution. Metals conduct electricity in both solid and liquid state.
Decomposition of substance The decomposition of the electrolyte takes place with the flow of electric current. There is no decomposition of the substance of the conductor during flow of electricity.
Changes In electrolytes, physical as well as chemical changes take place with the flow of current. In conductors, only physical changes take place with the flow of electric current.
Movement of matter The movement of matter takes place in case of electrolytes. There is no movement of matter in case of conductors.
Conductivity / temperature The conductivity of electrolyte increases with increase in temperature. The conductivity of metallic conductor decreases with increase in temperature.
Resistance In electrolytes, the resistance is offered by inter-ionic attractions, viscosity of solvent, etc. Conductors offer the resistance due to vibrating positive atoms.
New product formation With the flow of electricity, new products are formed in electrolytes due to chemical decomposition. In conductors, with the flow of electricity, no new products are formed because there is no chemical decomposition takes place.
Examples Examples of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, etc. The metals like silver, aluminium, copper, gold, etc. are the most common examples of conductors.
Applications Electrolytes are used in cell, batteries, and in many electrolytic processes. Conductors are used for making wires and cables, metallic contacts of devices, etc.

Conclusion

The most significant difference between an electrolyte and a conductor is that the electrolytes conduct electricity due to movement of ions (cations and anions), while the conductors conduct electricity due to movement of electrons only.

Updated on: 22-Aug-2022

5K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements