Which statement best defines electrolytic current flow?

The statement that best defines electrolytic current flow highlights the movement of cations toward the cathode. In an electrochemical system, such as in electrolytic cells, current is primarily carried by the movement of ions within the electrolyte solution.

Cations, which are positively charged ions, migrate toward the negatively charged cathode where they can gain electrons (a reduction reaction). This process is essential for understanding how electrolytic processes work, including electroplating and battery operation.

While the other options reference relevant concepts within electrochemistry, they do not encapsulate the core aspect of electrolytic current flow as effectively as the movement of cations toward the cathode does. For instance, the movement of ions from the anode to the cathode is a result of the electrolytic flow but does not convey the specific charge transport occurring within the electrolyte itself. The movement of charges through a metallic path pertains more to conductive metals rather than the ionic movement in electrolytes. The deviation from the open circuit potential refers more to electrode behavior rather than the fundamental definition of current flow in the electrochemical context.