Why can sodium chloride conduct electricity in the molten state but no in the solid state?

In order to conduct electricity a substance must have charge particles, such as electrons and ions, that are free to move freely through it. In the solid state, ionic compounds such as sodium chloride have their ions fixed in position and therefore these ions cannot move so solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity. However in the molten state, ions in ionic compounds are free to flow and therefore molten sodium chloride can conduct electricity.

OM
Answered by Olavo M. Chemistry tutor

157383 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain, in terms of its structure and bonding, why magnesium oxide has a very high melting point (4).


What is an exothermic reaction?


describe advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels


What is the general formula of alkanes


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning