Question

Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity in water but not covalent compounds?

Answer 1

Solid ionic compound do  not conduct electricity , because the ions are held firmly in place. They cannot move to conduct  the electric current. But when an ionic compound melts, the chargedions are free to move. Molten ionic compound do conduct electricity

Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity because they are formed between non metal atoms by sharing of electrons. Covalent compounds have no free electrons  and no ions and hence they do not conduct electricity.

Answer 2

Answer:

ionic compound consists of one metal and one non metal whereas covalent compound conists two non metals and as we all know that generally metals are good conductor of electricity except Mercury and lead but non metals are bad conductors or insulators of electricity except graphite