answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Generally, molecular covalent substances do not conduct electricity. Carbon as graphite is the exception. This is because they are neutrally charged; they do not have ions or delocalized electrons as these are being shared by the non-metals. Yet some conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This is because some react with water to produce ions which are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Covalent compounds do not generally conduct electricity in water, though some are known to do so. It depends on the polarity of the covalent bonds.

E.g HCl conducts electricity in water, as due to the high electronegativity of Cl, the bond pair of e-s are shifted towards it, making Cl acquire a delta- & H a delta + charge, leading to dissociation of the bond, making free ions those can conduct electricity.
Because electricity travels through water by being carried by ions and covalent compounds dont contain ions, so it doesnt conduct. also covalents are formed by two atoms sharing electrons, restricting the movement of atoms through water and conducting electricity

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Sometimes, but not always: Only those covalent compounds that spontaneously ionize in water, such as acetic acid and hydrogen chloride, produce solutions that conduct electricity. One could reasonably say that the compounds themselves never conduct electricity when dissolved in water, but spontaneously ionized solutions of these compounds do; it is the ions produced by dissociation that conduct, not the compounds themselves.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

6y ago

They conduct energy when dissolved or molten.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

No. Covalent substances do not conduct electricity in solid or liquid state.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

When they are dissolved in a fluid.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can covalent compounds conduct electricity in water?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What type of compound ionic or covalent will conduct electricity and dissolve in water?

Ionic compounds generally dissolve in water dissociating to give ions that are free to move and conduct electricity. Molten ionic compounds also have free ions and conduct electricity. Ionic compounds generally do not conduct electricity in the solid form.


Do covalent compounds conduct electricity as aqueous solutions?

covalent compounds can carry a charge when dissolved in water because ions separate and can carry a charge.


How can polar covalent compounds conduct electricity in their aqueous forms in spite of being covalently bonded?

They can't. There must be an electrolyte mixed in. For example distilled water doesn't conduct electricity and it is a polar covalent compound. However, when you mix in salt, it does conduct electricity.


What is the properties of covalent bond?

Covalent compounds generally have much lower melting and boiling points that ionic compounds. Covalent compounds are soft and squishy. Covalent compounds tend to be more flammable that ionic compounds. Covalent compounds don't conduct electricity in water. Covalent compounds aren't usually very soluble in water.


Does ionic compounds conduct in electricity?

Ionic compounds will not conduct electricity as solids, which is what they are at room temperature. However, they will conduct electricity if molten or dissolved in water.


Does liquid naphthalene conduct electricity?

Naphthalene is a Ionic Substance. Hence, Ionic substance do not conduct when solid. But they do conduct when melted or dissolved in water - and they decompose at the same time. Therefor molten Naphthalene conduts electricity as the ions become free to move when dissolved in water.


How could you test an unknown compound to determine if it was ionic or covalent?

Conductivity is the easiest way. Ionic compounds conduct electricity in water


Can C12H22O11 conduct electricity as an aqueous?

Acetic acid is a conductor of electricity.


How do ionic compounds conduct?

Do_ionic_compounds_conduct_electricitycompounds conduct electricity when they are either dissolved in water of they are molten. If they remain a solid then they will not conduct electricity


What conducts electricity when dissolve in water?

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water.


Can inorganic compounds dissolved in water conduct electricity?

yes


Does pure water conduct any electricity at all?

No, pure water does not conduct electricity because there are no other solutions present. For the water to conduct electricity, there has to be an electrolyte. Salt water, Tap water, and sugar water do conduct a little electricity because they contain soluble ionic compounds.