As electrons leave one terminal and are added to the other, ions in the electrolyte must flow in the direction indicated in Figure 26.16 to maintain an even distribution of charge. What must be the direction of the electric field in the bulk of the electrolyte to cause this flow?

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Figure 26.16 General operating principle of a voltaic cell. Electrons flow when the cell is connected to an electronic device. positive electrode: oxidized metal negative electrode: metal + electron flow electrolyte negative ions positive ions