What would happen with non-electrolytes?

2 marks · Easy

Explain why sodium chloride conducts electricity when molten, but not as a solid.

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In molten sodium chloride, the ions are free to move and carry charge. In the solid state, the ions are fixed in place so no current can flow.

Must show: mentions ion mobility when molten, states ions fixed in solid

Also accept: Molten: ions can move; solid: ions cannot move

Common mistakes: Says 'electrons move' or 'atoms move' instead of ions

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · States that ions are free to move when molten (or similar).

M1 · 1 mark · States that in the solid, ions are fixed in place/cannot move.

Worked solution

Molten sodium chloride: the ions are mobile and can carry charge, so it conducts electricity. Solid sodium chloride: the ions are fixed in a lattice and cannot move, so it does not conduct electricity.