Why Do Ionic Compounds Conduct Electricity? Chemistry Facts Simplified!
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Chemistry can be confusing for people of all ages, and it sure does make people ask questions.
Ever asked yourself what is an ion or why does it conduct electricity in a specific solution? Well, the answer is quite simple.
It can be a big question why some solutions are charged in a specific state when they do not even react in a different form. People often wonder exactly what happens in a solution to cause it to become charged.
Well, the answer is simple once the basics are understood. For ions, it is pretty important to learn what is related to them moving freely and what stops them from changing places.
You might want to learn more about other fun facts about the common things all around us. So go ahead and look at some other articles like why do ionic compounds have a high melting point and why do fingers prune.
Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity well when they are dissolved in water?
Ionic compounds are conductors of electricity when they are in a molten state or aqueous state.
Ionic compounds can conduct electricity when they are dissolved in water. This happens because the ions become free and can move from place to place.
Why don't ionic compounds conduct electricity in their crystalline form?
Crystalline form means when the ions are in a solid structure and an ion compound finds it challenging to conduct electricity while in a solid state.
When in a liquid or aqueous state, Ionic compounds contain charged ions called anions and cations, and these particles make sure that the ions are free to move from place to place and eventually conduct electricity. While in a solid state, the ion bonds are firmly held together, and the charged particles can not move freely.
This is why ions do not conduct electricity when in a crystalline form.
Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when melted?
Ions are compounds that need to move around to generate electric atoms, which happens easily when the solution is melted.
When the ionic compounds are in a melted state, the temperature is suitable for the electrons to charge electricity as the molecules are looser than in a solid form. The ionic bonds in a melted state are perfect for conducting electricity.
Why don't solid samples of ionic compounds conduct electricity?
The answer is quite simple and can be understood by focusing on the movements of electrons in a solution.
The ionic compound in the solid state does not conduct electricity because the electrons are not free to move. It is easier for an ionic compound to create conductivity for electricity in a liquid form.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do ionic compounds conduct electricity? then why not take a look at, do you know? why do doctors wear white coats? or have you ever wondered: why do blind people wear sunglasses pages?
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