Important consequences follow from the fact that the overall reaction is between
neutral species which requires concurrent motion of either A or B ions through the
electrolyte and electrons through external circuit. 1) If flow in either the electronic
path or the ionic path does not occur, the entire reaction stalls. 2) If the external
electrical circuit is opened and no electrons can flow through it, no ions can flow
through the electrolyte, halting the reaction. 3) If flow of ions in the electrolyte is
impeded - by presence of some material with very high resistance to the moving
ionic species, or a loss of contact between the electrolyte and the two materials on
its sides, there will be no electronic current in the external circuit.