1.56C: Understand Why Ionic Compounds Conduct Electricity Only When Molten or In Aqueous Solution

IONIC COMPOUNDS: Formed when atoms of Metals transfer electrons to atoms of Non-Metals to form compounds made up of ions

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                                    Diagram showing Particles of Ionic Compounds in solids

                                     and when Molten or in Solution Form

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ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF IONIC COMPOUNDS:

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• Ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity when in solid state as ions are fixed in structure and are not free to move
• However, ionic compounds can conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous solution as their ions are free to move to conduct an electric charge