In chemistry, is the electrolyte solution in an electrochemical cell just an ionic substance?
The salt bridge of an electrochemical cell is there to stabilize the build up of charge that develops across the cell as the cell is used. As charge flows from one chamber in the cell to the other an overall imbalance of charge develops. This will slow or inhibit the further flow of charge across the cell. To remedy this, cells are built with a salt bridge. The technical definition of salt is simply an ionic compound or electrolyte. So to answer your question, yes, the salt bridge must contain an electrolyte solution. An electrolyte solution is just an ionic compound dissolved in water. A salt bridge works by providing extra ions to stabilize the developing charge imbalance. The different ions separate in solution and move toward the compartment of the cell which is developing a charge opposite that of its own (like charges attract). This is why it is called a “bridge” (because it bridges the anode and the cathode). Check out the following URL. It’s a schematic for and example cell wit
