Question

Conductivity of metal decreases with temperature while conductivity of electrolytic conductors increases with temperature. Why ?

Answer 1

In metal, electron is responsible as the charge carrier. A systematic flow of electrons in one direction will cause the metal to conduct electricity efficiently. An increase in temperature will cause the electrons to get excited and this causes them to move in a not so orderly manner. Hence, they become less efficient as the charge carrier and conductivity decreases.

In electrolyte, it is the ions (both positive and negative) that is responsible as the charge carrier. An increase in temperature will increase the energy of the ions and they will move faster. Hence its efficiency as charge carrier increases and this will cause the conductivity to increase.