(1) An electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate are examples of electrolytes, informally known as “lytes”. A Dry cell is a type of electricity-producing chemical cell, commonly used today for many home and portable devices, often in the form of batteries. It was developed in 1886 by the German scientist Carl Gassner. A dry cell uses a paste electrolyte, with only enough moisture to allow current to flow. The electrolyte is ammonium chloride in the form of a paste next to the zinc anode.