To what extent do covalent compounds conduct electricity?

• A. Always
• B. Rarely
• C. Never
• D. Usually

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrical conductivity in substances depends on the presence of charged particles (ions or free electrons) that can move and carry charge.
2. Recall that covalent compounds are formed by sharing electrons between atoms, resulting in molecules rather than free ions or charged particles.
3. Recognize that because covalent compounds generally do not have free ions or mobile charged particles in their pure form, they do not conduct electricity well.
4. Note that some exceptions exist, such as when covalent compounds dissolve in water and ionize, but in their pure state, they rarely conduct electricity.
5. Conclude that the correct general statement is that covalent compounds rarely conduct electricity due to the lack of free charged particles.