Chapter U1.25, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether all solid substances containing metals can conduct electricity or not needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Metals are considered to be good conductors of electricity. Nonmetals are poor conductors of electricity. Metals are not soluble in water in pure form.

Answer to Problem 4E

Yes all solid substances that contain metals conduct electricity because they have free electrons to move. They carry electricity from one end to another. Some solid substances will conduct electricity only when dissolved in water these are known as ionic compounds.

Explanation of Solution

A solid substance that conducts electricity must be made of a metal element. Metals conduct electricity because metals have mobile electrons that are free to move. Some substances may consist of only a metal or it may contain a nonmetal element as well. If it contains a metal and a nonmetal component, it is called an ionic compound. It will conduct electricity only when dissolved in water. Dry ionic solids will not conduct electricity.

Ionic compounds conduct electricity only when they are dissolved in water as the ions are free to move in solution. In dry state they do not conduct electricity as ions are held together in fixed positions and cannot move around freely.

Conclusion

Metals are conductors of electricity. They may conduct electricity either in solid state as pure metal substance or in dissolved form as ionic compounds.