The table shows whether solid, molten and dissolved sodium chloride conduct electricity. Use the table to state when the compound is able to conduct. state ...
Question 1 Report
The table shows whether solid, molten and dissolved sodium chloride conduct electricity. Use the table to state when the compound is able to conduct.
| state of sodium chloride | conducts electricity? |
|---|---|
| solid | no |
| molten | yes |
| dissolved in water | yes |
Answer Details
The table shows no conduction in the solid but conduction both when molten and when dissolved, so sodium chloride conducts when molten or in aqueous solution.
Conduction requires mobile charge carriers. Sodium chloride is built from Na+ and Cl− ions, but in the solid the strong attractions hold every ion in a fixed lattice position. Melting or dissolving breaks the lattice apart, freeing the ions to move towards the electrodes and carry the current.
The common mistake is thinking the ions are created when the solid melts. They were always there; only their freedom to move changes. Cooling does the reverse, locking them more firmly in place.
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