Question

6. Solid sodium chloride is a bad conductor of electricity. However, fused sodium chloride conducts electric current. Explain on the basis of the theory of ionisation.​

Answer 1

1. In solid sodium chloride, there is the force of attraction between the two atoms as they form the ionic bond by sharing of electrons. Therefore, as a result there is no flow of electricity.

2. In case of molten sodium chloride, the atoms dissociate and forn ions. As a result there are free electrons which are required to the flow of electricity. Therefore, molten sodium chloride conduct electricity.

Answer 2

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A substance can only conduct electricity if it contains charged particles (electrons or ions) that are free to move around. In solid sodium chloride, there are ions but these ions are locked into the ionic lattice and are unable to move.

NaCl (common salt) is solid in state and solid ions or compounds don't conduct electricity. It needs to be either melted, molten or dissolved in a solution (i.e. water) first. Only then will the electrons be free to move to either the Cathode (-ve) or to the Anode (+ve). In a liquid state the electrons are free enough to move.

Hence, solid NaCl is a bad conductor of electricity because its ions cannot move freely.

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