When do ionic compounds conduct an electric current

Water molecules surround the ions in solution because they are attracted by the charges of the ions. Properties of ionic compounds The physical properties of ionic compounds can be explained by their giant ionic lattice structure and ionic bonds. Melting points Ionic compounds are held together by many strong electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions. Ionic compounds have high melting points and are therefore in the solid state at room temperature.

Ionic compounds are conductors of electricity when molten or in solution, and insulators when solid. Another characteristic property of ionic compounds is their electrical conductivity. The figure below shows three experiments in which two electrodes that are connected to a light bulb are placed in beakers containing three different substances.

A Distilled water does not conduct electricity. B A solid ionic compound also does not conduct. C A water solution of an ionic compound conducts electricity well.

In the first beaker, distilled water does not conduct a current because water is a molecular compound. In the second beaker, solid sodium chloride also does not conduct a current. Despite being ionic and thus composed of charges particles, the solid crystal lattice does not allow the ions to move between the electrodes. Mobile charged particles are required for the circuit to be complete and the light bulb to light up. In the third beaker, the NaCl has been dissolved into the distilled water.

Now the crystal lattice has been broken apart and the individual positive and negative ions can move. Lee Johnson is a freelance writer and science enthusiast, with a passion for distilling complex concepts into simple, digestible language. He's written about science for several websites including eHow UK and WiseGeek, mainly covering physics and astronomy.

He was also a science blogger for Elements Behavioral Health's blog network for five years. He studied physics at the Open University and graduated in Note how "chlorine" changes to "chloride" when it becomes an ion. What is a Monatomic Ion? What Are the Properties of Ionic Crystals? How to Make a Sodium Silicate Solution. What is a Polyatomic Ion?

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