Sodium chloride and sodium metal can both conduct electricity under differing conditions. Give the conditions required for each to conduct electricity and explain how each conducts electricity.

Sodium chloride will conduct electricity only when it is in a liquid state or in solution, this is because the ions are free to move in this state, allowing them to carry charge and conduct electricity. Sodium metal will conduct electricity in both a solid and liquid state, due to 'a sea' of delocalised electrons which can move and are able to carry charge.

TJ
Answered by Tanmayi J. Chemistry tutor

35671 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trend in ionisation energy down group 2? (3)


Why does an ionic compound (e.g. NaCl) conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water, but not when it is a solid.


Explain why fluorine is more reactive than chlorine.


How does the 3D dash and wedge notation work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning