Question

How do ionic compounds conduct electricity?

Answer 1

Hint In order to know how ionic compounds can conduct electricity, we must first know what an ionic compound is. Ionic compounds are those compounds which are formed when the metals will react with a non-metal.

Complete step by step solution:
Let us understand about the ionic compounds. Ionic compounds are those compounds which are formed when the metals will react with a non-metal. Mostly in ionic compounds, one element will donate its electron to attain a stable or inert gas configuration and the other element will accept that donated electron to attain the nearest stable or inert gas configuration.
Electricity can be generated only when the electrons are able to move freely. During the flow of current, a long chain of momentum transfer is taking place between the mobile charge carriers. So, when the ionic compound is solid, then the ions are very tightly packed, so the electrons will not be able to move freely.
Ionic compounds in the molten state will conduct electricity because the electrons are free to move. These electrons are not tightly packed. Hence, the ionic compound in solution form will conduct electricity.

Note: We have to remember that ionic compounds and covalent compounds are different from one another. The covalent bond is formed between two nonmetals. The compound which possesses covalent bonds is called covalent compounds.