answersLogoWhite

0

In general, when an ionic crystal lattice is "set" as it is in, say, table salt (NaCl, or sodium chloride), the ions do nothave the ability to move. In solution, yes, they can move, but in "the crystal" of the solid, no, they cannot.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry

Are ionic crystals good conductors?

No, ionic crystals are typically poor conductors of electricity because the ions are locked in a rigid lattice structure and cannot move freely to carry electric charge. However, when ionic crystals are dissolved in water or melted, their ions can move more freely and conduct electricity.


Why is a melting ionic compound a better conductor than a solid ionic compound?

A melting ionic compound allows ions to move freely within the liquid, increasing conductivity. In contrast, in a solid ionic compound, ions are fixed in a lattice structure and cannot move as easily, reducing conductivity.


Why is a melted ionic compound a good conductor of electric current but the a solid ionic compound is a poor conductor of electric current?

In a melted ionic compound, the ions are free to move and carry electric charge, allowing the compound to conduct electricity. In a solid ionic compound, the ions are fixed in position and cannot move freely, so they are unable to carry electric charge and conduct electricity effectively.


Why do solid crystals of ionic compounds conduct electricity when the crystals dissolve in water?

Solid crystals of ionic compounds do not conduct electricity because the ions are not free to move. When the crystals dissolve in water, the ionic bonds are broken and the ions become free to move, allowing them to carry electric current.


What attractions have to be broken for an ionic compound to melt?

To melt an ionic compound, the attractions between the ions in the crystal lattice need to be overcome. This requires breaking the ionic bonds that hold the ions together in a fixed position. Heating the compound provides the energy needed to disrupt these attractions and allow the ions to move more freely, resulting in the melting of the ionic solid.

Related Questions

Are ionic crystals good conductors?

No, ionic crystals are typically poor conductors of electricity because the ions are locked in a rigid lattice structure and cannot move freely to carry electric charge. However, when ionic crystals are dissolved in water or melted, their ions can move more freely and conduct electricity.


Why is a melting ionic compound a better conductor than a solid ionic compound?

A melting ionic compound allows ions to move freely within the liquid, increasing conductivity. In contrast, in a solid ionic compound, ions are fixed in a lattice structure and cannot move as easily, reducing conductivity.


Why is a melted ionic compound a good conductor of electric current but the a solid ionic compound is a poor conductor of electric current?

In a melted ionic compound, the ions are free to move and carry electric charge, allowing the compound to conduct electricity. In a solid ionic compound, the ions are fixed in position and cannot move freely, so they are unable to carry electric charge and conduct electricity effectively.


Why do solid crystals of ionic compounds conduct electricity when the crystals dissolve in water?

Solid crystals of ionic compounds do not conduct electricity because the ions are not free to move. When the crystals dissolve in water, the ionic bonds are broken and the ions become free to move, allowing them to carry electric current.


Why does the electrical conductivity of ionic compounds change when they are dissolved water?

Electric current is the flow of charged particles. When ionic crystals disolve in water, the bonds between ions are broken. As a result, the ions are free to move about, and the solution conducts current. Likewise, when an ionic compound melts, the ions are able to move freely, and the liquid conducts current. In contrast, ionic compounds in solid form do not conduct current well. The ions in the solid crystal are tightly bound to each other and cannot move from place to place. If charged particles cannot move, there is no current.


What attractions have to be broken for an ionic compound to melt?

To melt an ionic compound, the attractions between the ions in the crystal lattice need to be overcome. This requires breaking the ionic bonds that hold the ions together in a fixed position. Heating the compound provides the energy needed to disrupt these attractions and allow the ions to move more freely, resulting in the melting of the ionic solid.


Why does the electrical conductivity of ionic compounds change when they are dissolved in water?

Electric current is the flow of charged particles. When ionic crystals disolve in water, the bonds between ions are broken. As a result, the ions are free to move about, and the solution conducts current. Likewise, when an ionic compound melts, the ions are able to move freely, and the liquid conducts current. In contrast, ionic compounds in solid form do not conduct current well. The ions in the solid crystal are tightly bound to each other and cannot move from place to place. If charged particles cannot move, there is no current.


Why can't an ionic compound conduct electricity?

An ionic compound cannot conduct electricity only in solid state. It is so because conduction in an ionic compound is due to movement of ions. In the solid state the ions are unable to move, so they can't conduct electricity but in molten state they are free and hence conduct electricity in that state.


Why is a melted ionic compound a good conductor of electric current but a solid ionci compound is not?

When molten the ions can move under the influence of trhe electric firld. in the solid they are held in a lattice and movement is more difficult. Note there are special ionci compoundscaled fast ion conductors where the ions do move faitly freely - compounds like this are found in modern batteries.


Why is a melted ionic compound is a good conductor of electric current but a solid ionic compound is a poor conductor of electric current?

Upon melting, the ions are free to move and conduct electricity.


When ionic substances are dissolved in water do they conduct electricity?

Yes. Dissolving an ionic compound gives you ions in the water which are free to move in an electric field.


Why ionic solids cannot conduct electricity in the solid state?

Electric current is moving charges. Solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity because the charged ions are locked into place, causing the melting points of ionic compounds to be very high-often well above 300 degrees C. Vvlake11