What are electrical conductors where current is carried by ions known as?

Electrical conductors where current is carried by ions are known as electrolytes. This is because an electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in a solvent (typically water), produces a solution capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of free-moving ions. These ions are charged particles that facilitate the flow of electric current through the medium.

In contrast, semiconductors are materials that have conductivity between conductors and insulators, usually activated by temperature changes or impurities. Insulators are materials that do not conduct electricity well due to their tightly bound electrons, preventing the flow of ions or electric current. Conductors, on the other hand, are materials that permit the flow of current primarily due to the movement of electrons rather than ions.

Understanding the role of electrolytes is crucial in marine applications, especially regarding corrosion processes, as they can affect the electrochemical reactions occurring in various environments.