Question

Why does an ionic solid not conduct electricity until it melts? responses the ions in the solid crystal move freely, but form ionic bonds when the crystal melts. the ions in the solid crystal move freely, but form ionic bonds when the crystal melts. the ions in the solid crystal move slowly, but move more freely when the crystal melts. the ions in the solid crystal move slowly, but move more freely when the crystal melts. the ionic bonds in the solid crystal prevent the ions from moving, but are broken when the crystal melts. the ionic bonds in the solid crystal prevent the ions from moving, but are broken when the crystal melts. the ionic bonds in the solid crystal let the ions move freely, but are broken when the crystal melts.

Answer 1

Ionic solids do not conduct electricity because their ions are fixed in a crystal lattice by strong ionic bonds, preventing movement of charged particles. When melted or dissolved, these bonds break, allowing ions to move freely and thus conduct electricity.

Step-by-step explanation:

An ionic solid like sodium chloride (table salt) does not conduct electricity in its solid form because the ions that make up the solid are locked into a rigid crystal lattice. In this state, the ionic bonds are very strong, which means that the individual ions - the cations and anions - cannot move freely. For a material to conduct electricity, there must be movement of charged particles. As insulators, solid ionic compounds prevent this free movement of ions. However, when an ionic compound melts or dissolves in water, these strong ionic bonds are broken, allowing the individual ions to move freely. This free movement of ions is what allows melted or aqueous solutions of ionic compounds to conduct electricity.