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Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity in aqueous solution or when molten but do not conduct electricity when in the solid state?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
in molten state,the ionic bonds of the atom(covalent bond) bond breaks easily rather than the solid state of the matter. so.in liquid state the valence electrons gets excited and reached from valence to conduction band.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoIons are formed by transfer of electrons from highly electropositive atom to electronegative atom (i.e. electronegativity difference is large). The electropositive compound acquires positive charge and electronegative compound acquires negative charge and these oppositely charged ions due to electrostatic force of attraction form ionic or electrovalent bond. Compound having such bonds is an ionic compound.
On account of strong electrostatic force of attraction ions of an ionic compound are held tight in the crystal lattice and are not free to move so electricity, which needs charge to be conducted from one side to other, is not conducted. Also ionic compounds don't have free electrons like metals so conduction by flow of electrons is also not possible.
But in solution with a polar solvent or in molten state these ions become separated from each other and acquire mobility so electrical conductivity due to movement of ions is possible. polar solvents like water have charge separation in their molecules and this charge separation is able to pull the ions apart. Cations move towards cathode and anions move towards anode when electricity is applied to them.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agothe ionic compounds in aqueous solutions or in molten state separate into ions (i.e.,positive and negative ions) and hence conduct electricity, which is not possible in case of solids...
eg. NaCl dissociates into Na+ and Cl- and hence conducts electricity.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoWhen molten the ions are free to move- in an electric field the cations move towards the cathode an the anions towards the anode.
In the solid the ions are "locked" in place in the lattice. so generally solid ionic solids do not conduct electricity. The electrons on the ions are held tightly - so are unable to conduct.
(As always there are a few exceptions where the ions have limited mobility in the lattice- so-called fast ion conductors)
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoIn the solid phase there are no loosely bonded or free electrons
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Does sodium chloride conduct electricity in solution?
In an aqueous solution sodium chloride can in fact conduct electricity. This is because within an aqueous solution ions are free to move while as a solid NaCl will not conduct any electricity
Under what condition ionic coumpounds conduct a current?
Ionic compounds conduct the electricity when their ions move freely that means in molten state or in aqueous solution.
In Which state do ionic compounds and covalent compounds conduct electricity?
Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten state (melted) or when dissolved in a solution. Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity. Period.
What types of compounds conduct electricity as aqueous?
Genereally ionic compounds. Hoever some polar compunds such as HCl dissociate in water and therefore conduct
How can you determine experimentally whether or not a substance is present in ionic or molecular form when in aqueous solution?
If the solution will conduct electricity it is ionic. Solutions made from molecules do not conduct electricity.
Does sulfur conduct electricity when in aqueous solution?
no it's chemical substance and the ions do not conduct sulphur electricity when in aqueous solution!
Do ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water?
Ionic compounds dissociate in water to form positive and negative ions in aqueous solution. Such solutions can conduct electricity.
Does sodium chloride conduct electricity in solution?
In an aqueous solution sodium chloride can in fact conduct electricity. This is because within an aqueous solution ions are free to move while as a solid NaCl will not conduct any electricity
What are ALL the materials that can conduct electricity?
Anything metallic can conduct electricity. Also molten ionic compounds and solutions of ionic compounds. Aqueous acids also conduct electricity.
Under what condition ionic coumpounds conduct a current?
Ionic compounds conduct the electricity when their ions move freely that means in molten state or in aqueous solution.
Do ionic compound's or covalent molecole's conduct electicity?
Ionic compounds conduct electricity in aqueous solution or molten state. In aq. soln. or molten state, ionic compounds dissociate to release respective ions. These ions, being electrically charged, conduct electricity.
In Which state do ionic compounds and covalent compounds conduct electricity?
Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten state (melted) or when dissolved in a solution. Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity. Period.
What types of compounds conduct electricity as aqueous?
Genereally ionic compounds. Hoever some polar compunds such as HCl dissociate in water and therefore conduct
Compounds that conduct electricity when in solution or in the molten state?
These compounds are called electrolytes.
How can you determine experimentally whether or not a substance is present in ionic or molecular form when in aqueous solution?
If the solution will conduct electricity it is ionic. Solutions made from molecules do not conduct electricity.
Why does potassium chloride conduct electricity?
Potassium chloride is an ionic solid, the ionic solids can conduct the electricity if they are in molten state or in aqueous solution.
Why does hydrogen iodide in an aqueous solution conduct an electricity?
Hydrogen iodide is dissociated in water.
