Question

Fill in the blanks with suitable words:

(e) $\mathrm{NaCl}$ is a poor conductor of electricity in the ________ state.

Answer 1

Ionic Theory

• In solutions, electrolytes are present in the form of ions and permits the flow of current through them.
• Movement of ions is responsible for the flow of current.
• Sodium chloride$\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$ is an electrolyte that will conduct electricity either in aqueous solutions or in molten state.

Molten and solid form of Sodium chloride

• Sodium chloride is an ionic compound that involves the presence of sodium $\left({\mathrm{Na}}^{+}\right)$ and chloride $\left({\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\right)$ ions.
• In molten form, these ions are free to move. Therefore, molten sodium chloride is decomposed by electric current.
• In solid-state, these ions are not allowed to move freely, and due to this, solid sodium chloride is a poor conductor of electricity in the solid state.
• Strong electrostatic attractions hold the constituent ions tightly and makes them unable to move in solid state.

Hence, $\mathrm{NaCl}$ is a poor conductor of electricity in the solid state.