Which phase of ionic compounds are good electrical conductors because the ions are free to carry electrical current?
A. Solid
B. Liquid
C. Gas
D. Crystalline
I say B
true
To determine which phase of ionic compounds is a good electrical conductor because the ions are free to carry electrical current, you can analyze the properties of each phase:
A. Solid: In a solid state, the ions in an ionic compound are tightly packed in a rigid lattice structure. Since the ions cannot move freely, solids generally do not conduct electricity.
B. Liquid: In a liquid state, the ions in an ionic compound have more freedom of movement. When dissolved in a solvent or melted, the ions become mobile and can carry electrical current. Therefore, liquids are generally good electrical conductors.
C. Gas: In a gaseous state, ionic compounds exist as individual ions or molecules and are typically not good electrical conductors. The ions in a gas phase are too far apart to enable efficient electron flow.
D. Crystalline: Crystalline refers to the ordered arrangement of ions in the solid state. While ionic compounds in the crystalline phase have a regular arrangement of ions, they still lack the necessary mobility for conducting electricity efficiently.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is B. Liquid, as it allows the ions in the ionic compound to be free and conduct electrical current.