Question

What is the nature of electrolyte used in a salt bridge?

Answer 1

Salt bridge:

• The salt bridge is used in electrochemical cells to connect the oxidation/reduction half cells of a galvanic cell.
• The salt bridge is usually comprised of a strong electrolyte which is further made up of ions.
• Examples of strong electrolytes are Silver nitrate$\left({\mathrm{AgNO}}_3\right)$ or Potassium chloride $\left(\mathrm{KCl}\right)$.

Nature of electrolytes:

• In a salt bridge, inert electrolytes are used as their ions are not involved in any electrochemical change.

Functions of salt bridge:

• It is used to maintain electrical neutrality inside the circuit of a galvanic cell.
• It acts as an electrical connection between two half cells.
• It prevents the diffusion of solution from one cell to the other.