Why does an onion conduct electricity?

Answer 1

Electrolytes are conductors of electricity because they are ions and ions are conductors of electricity, both positively and negatively charged. When we speak of ions as conductors of electricity we are not speaking only of electricity we use for lighting our homes or for electrical appliances we find in the home. Electrolytes are elements in the body such as sodium and potassium, which are minerals and chemicals like chlorides, bicarbonates sodium, potassium and magnesium. Potassium and sodium are also elements found in blood and body fluids. Compounds, which separate into ions, when they are dissolved in water are conductors of electricity. They break into positive and negative ions when dissolved in water making them conductors of electricity. Positive ions are called cation and negative ions are called anion. Electrolytes create a conductive medium when they dissociate free ions as they dissolve in water, these are called ionic solutes. Electrolytes contain electric currents and as electrically charged ions, act as conductors of electricity. Electrolytes can be found in acids, salts and some gases in high temperature or in low pressure. Electrolytes can be considered concentrated, when the concentration of ions is high or they can be dilute when a low concentration of ions is present. Electrolytes will dissolve in water an create a solution, which conducts electrical current, therefore electrolytes are considered to be conductors of electricity.