an electrolyte is a liquid(molten or in a solution) so that its component ions are free to move.a power source is connected to two electrodes that are placed in the electrolyte.this creates a positive charge at one electrode (the anode) and a negative charge at the other (the cathode).the positive and negative ions in the electrolyte then move towards the electode with the opposite charge, when they receive or donate electrons. this flow of ions carries electricity through the liqiud