Question

Ionic solids conduct electricity in a molten state but not in solids state. Explain.

Answer 1

Ionic Solids:

• An ionic bond is defined as the attractive electrostatic force that is present between two oppositely charged ions.
• The formation of an ionic bond occurs when excess electrons from an anion are transferred to a cation in order to attain their nearest inert gas configuration.
• Strong electrostatic forces act on ionic compounds, they are tightly packed with each other to form a crystal lattice.
• Generally, these crystal lattices are very hard to break.

The conductivity of ionic Solids:

• The particles in ionic solids are fixed in their positions and have very little freedom for movement.
• Hence, ionic solids are characterized by poor conduction in solid states.
• In a molten state, the compounds dissociate into ions that can move freely.
• Hence, in molten state ionic solids can freely conduct electricity.