Question

What type of species are responsible for electrolytic conduction?

Answer 1

1. The species responsible for electrolytic conduction are ions, i.e., cations and anions.
2. Electrolytic conduction occurs due to the movement of positively and negatively charged ions in an electrolyte, typically an ionic compound, either in the molten (fused) state or in aqueous solution. 
3. These ions must be free to move; hence, electrolytes do not conduct electricity in the solid state because the ions are fixed in place within the crystal lattice. 
4. However, in solution or molten form, the ions move toward oppositely charged electrodes when an electric current is applied, resulting in conduction along with a chemical change.