(3) dissociation of electrolytes Explanation: The electrolyte consists of a solvent (water, an organic liquid, or even a solid) and one or more chemicals that dissociate into ions in the solvent. These ions serve to deliver electrons and chemical matter through the cell interior to balance the flow of electric current outside the cell during cell operation. An electrolyte is a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis, e.g., that present in a battery.