In solid state NaCl does not conduct electricity but in molten state and in aqueous solution it conducts electricity. Give separate reasons for each observation.
In solid state NaCl does not conduct electricity but in molten state and in aqueous solution it conducts electricity. Give separate reasons for each observation.
1. Electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to allow the passage of electrical charge through it. Electrons or ions in a substance are generally responsible for its electrical conductivity. Therefore, covalent compounds do not generally conduct electricity.
The electrical conductivity of a substance can be measured by the number of free ions or electrons in it. These free ions are known as charge carriers. Therefore, ionic compounds conduct electricity in their aqueous or molten form.
2. Conductivity of Sodium chloride
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound in which the Sodium ions and Chloride ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.
- Sodium chloride in the solid state:
Solid Sodium chloride has a fixed cubic shape. Therefore, all the Sodium and Chloride ions are at a fixed position held together by strong ionic forces. The atoms cannot move from the crystal network and hence, solid Sodium chloride does not have any charge carriers. Therefore, Sodium chloride does not conduct electricity in its solid state.
- Sodium chloride in the molten state:
In the molten state, the interionic forces between the atoms in the crystal decrease. This enables the movement of the ions from the crystal network which can act as charge carriers and conduct electricity. Therefore, Sodium chloride conducts electricity in its molten state.
- Sodium chloride in an aqueous state:
When Sodium chloride is dissolved in Water , it dissociates into Sodium ions and Chloride ions in solution. Therefore, these ions can move freely in solution and act as charge carriers. Therefore, Sodium chloride conducts electricity in its aqueous state.
1. Electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to allow the passage of electrical charge through it. Electrons or ions in a substance are generally responsible for its electrical conductivity. Therefore, covalent compounds do not generally conduct electricity.
The electrical conductivity of a substance can be measured by the number of free ions or electrons in it. These free ions are known as charge carriers. Therefore, ionic compounds conduct electricity in their aqueous or molten form.
2. Conductivity of Sodium chloride
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound in which the Sodium ions and Chloride ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.
- Sodium chloride in the solid state:
Solid Sodium chloride has a fixed cubic shape. Therefore, all the Sodium and Chloride ions are at a fixed position held together by strong ionic forces. The atoms cannot move from the crystal network and hence, solid Sodium chloride does not have any charge carriers. Therefore, Sodium chloride does not conduct electricity in its solid state.
- Sodium chloride in the molten state:
In the molten state, the interionic forces between the atoms in the crystal decrease. This enables the movement of the ions from the crystal network which can act as charge carriers and conduct electricity. Therefore, Sodium chloride conducts electricity in its molten state.
- Sodium chloride in an aqueous state:
When Sodium chloride is dissolved in Water , it dissociates into Sodium ions and Chloride ions in solution. Therefore, these ions can move freely in solution and act as charge carriers. Therefore, Sodium chloride conducts electricity in its aqueous state.
