Question

Ionic solids conduct electricity in a molten state but not in solids state. Why?

Answer 1

Ions in solid state cannot conduct electricity:

1. Ions in ionic compounds conduct electricity. Ions cannot freely move about inside a solid because of the strong electrostatic forces that hold them together. Therefore, the ions are free to travel and can conduct electricity when they are liquid or in solution form.
2. The ionic solid separates into its anion and cation, which are positive and negative ions, respectively, in a molten state. These ions are in charge of carrying electricity.
3. The movement of charged particles was necessary for the conduction of electricity through a solution.
4. When electricity is applied to a solution of an ionic chemical in water, the ions in the solution can flow to the electrodes with opposing charges.
5. Ionic compounds transmit electricity when they are molten because the heat applied to the ionic solid to transform it from a solid state to a liquid state overcomes the electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.
6. Because of the heat produced, the electrostatic interaction between the ions is weaker, allowing the ions to move freely and conduct electricity.

Therefore, in molten state ionic compounds can conduct electricity.