Will melted ionic compounds conduct electricity?

• A. No, because only covalent compounds can conduct electricity when melted.
• B. Yes, but only if the compound is dissolved in water.
• C. Yes, because the ions are free to move and carry charge.
• D. No, because the ions are locked in a rigid lattice.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that ionic compounds consist of positive and negative ions arranged in a rigid lattice structure in the solid state, which prevents the ions from moving freely.
2. Understand that electrical conductivity requires charged particles to be mobile so they can carry electric current through the material.
3. When an ionic compound is melted, the rigid lattice breaks down, allowing the ions to move freely within the liquid.
4. Since the ions are free to move in the molten state, they can carry electric charge, enabling the melted ionic compound to conduct electricity.
5. Note that in contrast, covalent compounds generally do not conduct electricity when melted because they do not have charged particles that are free to move.