An electrolyte is a liquid that conducts electricity.It is an ionic compound and has to be liquid (molten or in a solution) so that its component ions are free to move.A powder 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 electrode with the opposite charge,where they receive or donate electrons.This flow of ions carries electricity through the liquid.