Question

Ionic solids do not sustain/conduct an electric current in the solid-state but do sustain/conduct an electric current when dissolved in water because:

• A. ionic solutes create conductive molecules with water.
• B. ionic solutes dissociate in water, creating free moving ions.
• C. ionic solutes release electrons when dissolved in water.
• D. none of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

ionic solutes dissociate in water, creating free moving ions.

Ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity when solid, as their ions are held in fixed positions and cannot move. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten (liquid) or in an aqueous solution (dissolved in water) because their ions are free to move from place to place.