Explain giving reasons why: (i) Ionic solids conduct electricity in molten state, but not in solid state. (ii) Solution of sodium chloride has no effect on litmus, but a solution of zinc chloride turns blue litmus red.
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Solution
(i) To conduct electricity ions of a substance should be free to move to oppositely charged electrodes. In solid state of a substance(ionic compound) ions are not free to move but in molten(liquid) state they are free to move. (ii) Sodium chloride is salt of strong acid and a strong base so it does not undergo hydrolysis when dissolved in water and solution remains neutral. Zinc chloride is a salt of strong acid and weak base so its Zn2+ ions combine with OH− ions of water(cationic hydrolysis) forming less dissociated Zn(OH)2. Concentration of H+ ions increases and solution becomes acidic and turns blue litmus red. NaCl+H2O⇌Na++Cl−+H++OH− ZnCl2+2H2O⇌Zn(OH)2+2H++2Cl−.