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Assuming you are referring to aqueous solutions of ionic compounds, and not molten compounds, the answer is quite simple. When an ionic compound is dissolved in a water, the constituent charged ions (atoms or sub molecules such as SO4, OH, . . .) dissociate and are free to line up in the presence of an electric field (imagine the battery bay of a stereo, where you have to put several D or C batteries in it. The batteries have to be lined up just so, positive negative, positive negative, positive negative.). This allows an electric charge to move through the medium.

In a solid ionic compound, the charged particles are already paired up and are pretty much fixed in position.

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What do you call decomposition of liquid compound by electric current?

It is called electrolysis.


When can an ionic compound conduct electric current?

An ionic compound can conduct electric current when it is dissolved in water or molten (liquid) form, allowing the ions to move freely and carry charge. In solid form, ionic compounds are not conductive because the ions are held in a fixed position in the crystal lattice.


Why is liquid mercury a good electrical conductor?

Liquid mercury is a good electrical conductor due to its high electron mobility and low resistivity. The electrons in the liquid metal are able to move freely, allowing for the easy flow of electric current. Additionally, mercury has a high density, which helps to facilitate electron conduction.


What must be done to an ionic compound to make it capable of conducting electricity?

The ionic compound must be melted or dissolved in a liquid to allow the ions to move freely and conduct electricity. In the solid state, the ions are fixed in place and cannot carry an electric current.


How does electrolysis work to separate compounds into their constituent elements?

Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to break down compounds into their individual elements. When an electric current is passed through a compound in a liquid state, the positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) and gain electrons, while the negative ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode) and lose electrons. This causes the compound to decompose into its constituent elements.

Related Questions

What do you call decomposition of liquid compound by electric current?

It is called electrolysis.


Does liquid conduct electricity well?

It depends on the liquid. Oil would not be a good conductor of electricity. Water is a good conductor, though distilled water is not. Any liquid metal or ionic compound would be a good conductor.


When can an ionic compound conduct electric current?

An ionic compound can conduct electric current when it is dissolved in water or molten (liquid) form, allowing the ions to move freely and carry charge. In solid form, ionic compounds are not conductive because the ions are held in a fixed position in the crystal lattice.


Why is liquid mercury a good electrical conductor?

Liquid mercury is a good electrical conductor due to its high electron mobility and low resistivity. The electrons in the liquid metal are able to move freely, allowing for the easy flow of electric current. Additionally, mercury has a high density, which helps to facilitate electron conduction.


Compare and contrast an electric discharge with an electric current?

An electric discharge is the sudden flow of electricity through a gas, liquid, or vacuum due to a buildup of charge, often resulting in a visible spark. In contrast, an electric current is a continuous flow of electric charge through a conductor. While both involve the movement of charged particles, the key difference is that an electric discharge is a temporary and often localized event, whereas an electric current is a sustained, directed flow of charge.


What do you call the liquid that allows electric current to pass through?

Electric current does not need a liquid. It can pass in solids, liquids, gases, and even empty space. If it passes through a liquid, the liquid is called an electrolyte.


Why do ionic crystals cunduct electric current in the liquid phase or when desolved in water but do not conduct electric current in the solid phase?

Magnetricity.


In the process of electrolysis' current can flow through a liquid because?

In the process of electrolysis, current can flow through a liquid because the liquid contains ions that can move and carry charge. When an electric potential is applied across the electrodes in the liquid, the ions migrate towards the oppositely charged electrode, allowing for the flow of current.


How could you separate the sodium from the chorine in the liquid salt compouned?

One way to separate sodium from chlorine in a liquid salt compound like sodium chloride is through electrolysis. When an electric current is passed through the liquid compound, the sodium ions migrate towards the negative electrode (cathode) where they gain electrons and form sodium metal, while the chlorine ions migrate towards the positive electrode (anode) to form chlorine gas. This results in the separation of sodium and chlorine from the compound.


Why does liquid KCl conduct electricity?

Liquid KCl conduct electricity because it dissociates into K+ and Cl- ions in the solution. These free ions are able to carry electric current by facilitating the flow of charged particles.


What is a liquid or solid substance or mixture that does not allow an electric current?

an insulator


Why do ionic crystals conduct electric current in the liquid phase?

Magnetricity