Question

Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid state. Identify the correct reason.

• A. Absence of oppositely charged ions in solid state
• B. Absence of mobile ions in solid state
• C. Absence of forces of attraction between ions in solid state
• D. Absence of free electrons in solid state

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Absence of mobile ions in solid state

Explanation for Correct option:

The positions of ions in an ionic lattice are fixed, and they can only oscillate about their mean positions. As a result, the ions are not free to move in the solid state. These ions can easily travel in the solution when in molten state, allowing electricity to pass through. The absence of mobile ions in the solid state is the correct explanation.

Explanation for Incorrect options:

A) Absence of oppositely charged ions in solid state- is a wrong statement as there are cations and anions in solid state.

C) Absence of forces of attraction between ions in solid state - is a wrong statement as there exists strong attractions between cations and anions in solid state.

D) Absence of free electrons in solid state - is a wrong statement as there exists free electrons in solid state.

Hence, the correct option is (B). Ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity in solid state due to the absence of free ions.