Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in solution?

Answer 1

the solvent has to be water and the compounds have to be soluble. Google solubility rules for more information on those. but they conduct electricity because of the positive and negative ions that are floating around in the water. these negative ions can make a light bulb glow when connected to the device in different levels of brightness depending upon the strength of the ions.

also: strong acids(HCl) and bases (bleach) conduct electricity as well

Answer 2

When ionic compounds are melted or dissolved in water, the ions that form the compounds move farther apart than they are in solid ionic compounds. This increased separation greatly reduces the energy required to separate the cations from the anions temporarily. As a result, the anions can move toward the anode of two conductors that are impressing an electric field on the solution or melt while the cations move in the opposite direction toward the cathode. In the very near vicinity of the anode, anions can give up their electrons to the external electric circuit. These electrons or others already present move through the external electric circuit and transfer the surplus electrons to neutralize the charge of cations in the very near vicinity of the cathode. The motion of the ions within the melt or solution and of the electrons in the external electric circuit constitute an electric current.

Answer 3

Because the ions themselves carry the current.