Why can sodium chloride conduct electricity in the molten state but no in the solid state?

In order to conduct electricity a substance must have charge particles, such as electrons and ions, that are free to move freely through it. In the solid state, ionic compounds such as sodium chloride have their ions fixed in position and therefore these ions cannot move so solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity. However in the molten state, ions in ionic compounds are free to flow and therefore molten sodium chloride can conduct electricity.

OM
Answered by Olavo M. Chemistry tutor

174624 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The student did another experiment using 20 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 0.18 mol/dm3 . Relative formula mass (Mr) of NaOH = 40 Calculate the mass of sodium hydroxide in 20 cm3 of this solution.


Whats the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?


What are moles and how do you use them?


What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning