Homework Help: Chem

Posted by Sean on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 12:32pm.

Why does sodium chloride not conduct electricity as a solid but when melted, does conduct electricity?

Thanks

Solid NaCl consists of a three dimensional array of Na^+ and Cl^-. Even though the ions are present, the ions are not free to move about; i.e., they are held in place by crystal lattice forces that make up the solid. They CAN vibrate, and do, but they are not free to move from one spot to another and that is necessary for electrical conduction to take place. When NaCl melts, however, the crystal lattice is broken down (energy is supplied by the heating device used--bunsen burner or hot plate) and in liquid form the ions ARE free to move from one place to another. Therefore, the ions can conduct electical current from one electrode to another. I hope this is clear to you.

No one has answered this question yet.

Answer this Question

Related Questions

chemistry - 22. Choose the best description for a solid held together by London ...
Chemistry (CHEM) - Can someone explain the electrical conductivity of melted and...
science - A substance in a solid at room temperature. It is unable to conduct ...
Chemistry - Regarding conductivity: 1. If a solution has a high conductivity, it...
Science - Solid table salt does not conduct electricity. How does dissolving ...
chem - Are aspirin, starch and dextrose covalent or ionic? Do aspirin and or ...
physics - Can water,air and earth conduct electricity? If yes, then explain how ...
chemistry - I have two solutions of 0.1 Molar. A solution of magnesium chloride ...
Chemistry - Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are melted or ...
chemistry - IONIC COMPOUNDS CONDUCT ELECTRICITY EXCEPT WHEN THEY ARE A. IN WATER...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: