The electrical conductivity of ionic substances

1 mark · Easy

State why potassium chloride conducts electricity when it is dissolved in water.

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Because the ions are free to move and carry charge in solution.

Also accept: Because the potassium and chloride ions can move when dissolved in water.; Because ions move freely in aqueous solution.

Common mistakes: Mentioning electrons instead of ions.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States ions are free to move/carry charge in aqueous solution.

Worked solution

When potassium chloride dissolves in water, the ions (K⁺ and Cl⁻) are free to move and carry charge, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.