What direction does conventional current flow through an electrolyte?

What direction does conventional current flow through an electrolyte?

• A. Negative to Positive
• B. Positive to Negative
• C. Cathode to Anode
• D. Anode to Cathode

Answer: (B)

In electrochemistry, conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge. When considering an electrolyte—which is a conductive medium containing ions—this flow occurs from areas of higher electric potential (positive polarity) to areas of lower electric potential (negative polarity). Therefore, in an electrolyte, conventional current flows from positive to negative. This understanding is foundational as it reflects the historical convention established before the discovery of the electron, which actually moves in the opposite direction. In applying this to practical situations such as cathodic protection testing, recognizing the flow of conventional current is crucial for interpreting the methodology and measurements used in these tests.

In electrochemistry, conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge. When considering an electrolyte—which is a conductive medium containing ions—this flow occurs from areas of higher electric potential (positive polarity) to areas of lower electric potential (negative polarity). Therefore, in an electrolyte, conventional current flows from positive to negative.

This understanding is foundational as it reflects the historical convention established before the discovery of the electron, which actually moves in the opposite direction. In applying this to practical situations such as cathodic protection testing, recognizing the flow of conventional current is crucial for interpreting the methodology and measurements used in these tests.