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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

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16y ago
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15y ago

Because in solid form, the ions that comprise the compound are localised (stuck) in ionic bonds, and cannot move freely. When they are molten or are in solution, the ions are free to move and can conduct electricity.

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12y ago

Both the ions, and the electrons that are part of those ions, are fixed firmly in place, and do not move easily when the ionic compound is in solid form. If the ionic compound is dissolved in water, then the ions move freely and can therefore conduct electricity. If they are not moving, they can't conduct electricity.

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11y ago

because they have no free electrons to move under the influence of an electric field and the ions are tightly bonded in the ionic lattice.

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11y ago

electrons don't flow as well in a solid ionic compound

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12y ago

Because the substance is in a fixed location and not free to move.

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12y ago

Ionic solids usually do not conduct electricity.

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8y ago

The ions are in a fixed positions.

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12y ago

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Q: Why ionic solids cannot conduct electricity in the solid state?
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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.


Why does potassium chloride conduct electricity?

Potassium chloride is an ionic solid, the ionic solids can conduct the electricity if they are in molten state or in aqueous solution.


When elements are bonded with ionic bonds what are their electrical conductivity?

Solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity because there are no mobile ions or electrons present in the lattice, The ions cannot move out of the lattice, so the solid cannot conduct electricity, but Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in solution (the ions are released from the lattice structure and are free to move).


What could you do to determine whether an unknown solid is an ionic compound or a molecular solid?

In the laboratory you could determine if a solid has an ionic bond or a metallic bond by trying to run a current through it. Metal solids have delocalized electrons and conduct electricity well. Ionic solids will not conduct electricity unless dissolved.


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.

Related questions

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.


Why does potassium chloride conduct electricity?

Potassium chloride is an ionic solid, the ionic solids can conduct the electricity if they are in molten state or in aqueous solution.


What type of substance can conduct electricity in the liquid but not solid phase?

Most ionic solids cannot conduct electricity in the solid phase. They only do so in the liquid phase. While they are solid, the ions in the ionic solid are fixed in their lattice so cannot move to conduct electricity whereas in the liquid phase, the ions are free and mobile and can act as charge carriers for electricity.


How does electrostatic attraction relate to ionic solids and bonding?

Ionic bonding refers to the electrostatic attraction between cations and anions. Ionic solids do not conduct electricity (they are insulators).


What type of compounds can exist as liquids solids or gases?

Ionic compounds conduct electricity as liquids and in solution.


When elements are bonded with ionic bonds what are their electrical conductivity?

Solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity because there are no mobile ions or electrons present in the lattice, The ions cannot move out of the lattice, so the solid cannot conduct electricity, but Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in solution (the ions are released from the lattice structure and are free to move).


What could you do to determine whether an unknown solid is an ionic compound or a molecular solid?

In the laboratory you could determine if a solid has an ionic bond or a metallic bond by trying to run a current through it. Metal solids have delocalized electrons and conduct electricity well. Ionic solids will not conduct electricity unless dissolved.


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.


Is it true that ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity if they are dissolved in water?

YES!!


When can an ionic compound conduct electricity?

An ionic compound can conduct electricity when it is in solution or melted.


When can ionic compounds conduct electricity when can't they?

Generally when they are solids. There are ionic compounds called fast ion conductors that do dispaly conductivity in the solid but these are extremely rare)


What are properties of ionic bond?

Ionic bonds are generally solids, with high melting and boiling points. They form crystals, are soluble in water, and only conduct electricity in liquid state. They donate/receive electrons to form bonds.