What happens to an electrolyte when an electric current passes through it?

Options

A. It decomposes into its constituent.
B. It changes into a new substance.
C. Its mass decreases with time
D. Its physical state changes.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Electrolytes**:
- Electrolytes are substances that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water (aqueous solution). They are typically ionic compounds that dissociate into ions in solution.

2. **Setup for Electrolysis**:
- To observe the effect of electric current on an electrolyte, we set up a circuit with two electrodes immersed in the electrolyte solution. The electrodes are connected to a battery.

3. **Flow of Electric Current**:
- When the battery is connected, electric current flows from one electrode, through the electrolyte, and back to the other electrode, completing the circuit.

4. **Decomposition of Electrolyte**:
- As the current passes through the electrolyte, it causes the electrolyte to decompose into its constituent ions. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻).

5. **Role of Ions in Conducting Electricity**:
- The cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) move towards their respective electrodes. The movement of these ions allows the electric current to flow through the solution.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, when an electric current passes through an electrolyte, it decomposes into its constituent ions, which are responsible for conducting electricity.