Question:
Ionic solids conduct electricity in the molten state but not in the solid state. Explain.
Answer:
In the solid state, ions in ionic compounds are rigidly held in place by strong electrostatic forces of attraction. Because these ions are not free to move, solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity.
However, in the molten state or when dissolved in an aqueous solution, the thermal energy or solvent overcomes these strong electrostatic bonds. This allows the ions to dissociate and move freely, enabling them to conduct electricity.