What happens to the electrolyte in a dry-cell battery?

In a dry-cell battery, the electrolyte is typically a paste or gel rather than a free-flowing liquid, which is why it is referred to as "dry." During the operation of the battery, chemical reactions occur between the anode, cathode, and the electrolyte. While the electrolyte is not in a liquid state, it does not completely evaporate or transform into a solid in the way one might think. Instead, it participates in the electrochemical reactions that generate electricity.

The crucial point to understand is that chemical changes occur within the battery as it discharges. Therefore, while the electrolyte starts in a semi-solid or paste state, it does not simply become solid or remain liquid—it is actively involved in the reactions that ultimately transform it chemically as the battery is used. This is why the answer focuses on the changes that happen due to the reactions rather than the state of the electrolyte alone.