Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten but not as solids?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Ions are free to move when molten, but fixed in the lattice when solid
- Step 1: Conduction needs mobile charge carriers. Step 2. In the solid lattice, ions are held in fixed positions. Answer: Ions are free to move when molten, but fixed in the lattice when solid. Why not the others: ionic compounds have no delocalised electrons; they have no covalent bonds to break; the ions already exist in the solid.
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