Here's why:
* NaCl dissolves: When sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions:
* Sodium ions (Na+)
* Chloride ions (Cl-)
* Ions are charged: These ions are charged particles, meaning they carry an electrical charge. Na+ ions are positively charged, and Cl- ions are negatively charged.
* Movement of ions: When an electric potential is applied across the solution, these charged ions move.
* Positive ions (Na+) move towards the negative electrode (cathode).
* Negative ions (Cl-) move towards the positive electrode (anode).
* Flow of current: This movement of charged ions constitutes the flow of electrical current through the solution.
Key takeaway: In contrast to metallic conductors where electrons carry the current, in an aqueous NaCl solution, it is the movement of ions that carries the electrical current.
