Flow of current in electrolytes is due to the movement of

Analyze the question: It asks what carries current through an electrolyte (a molten or dissolved ionic substance, like NaCl solution or dilute H₂SO₄).

Concept: Current is the flow of charge carriers, and the carrier depends on the material:

• Metals (conductors): current is carried by free electrons.
• Semiconductors: current is carried by electrons and holes.
• Electrolytes: current is carried by ions, meaning positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.

Solution:

1. In an electrolyte such as NaCl(aq), the compound dissociates into Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
2. When a voltage is applied, cations (Na⁺) move toward the cathode (negative electrode) and anions (Cl⁻) move toward the anode (positive electrode).
3. This movement of ions through the solution is the current. Electrons flow only in the external wire and the electrodes, not through the liquid.

Checking the options:

• A. Electrons: this is true for metals, not electrolytes.
• B. Holes and electrons: this applies to semiconductors.
• C. Ions: correct. Ions are the charge carriers in electrolytes.
• D. Charges: this is too vague. Ions are charges, but "charges" is not the specific answer, and electrons are charges too. C is the most precise option.

Tip: Match the carrier to the material: metals → electrons, semiconductors → electrons and holes, electrolytes → ions. Whenever you see "electrolyte", think "ions".