Chapter U1.25, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether a substance which does not conduct electricity in solid state can conduct electricity in dissolved form 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 5E

If a solid substance does not conduct electricity, it does not mean that it will not conduct electricity in the dissolved form. It may conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Such substances are called ionic compounds. Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid dry state. Example: sodium chloride, copper sulfate.

Explanation of Solution

A solid substance that conducts electricity must contain 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 the solution. In dry state they do not conduct electricity as ions are held together in fixed positions and cannot freely move.

Conclusion

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