What would happen with non-electrolytes?
2 marks · HardA student is investigating whether a white crystalline solid is an ionic compound or a covalent compound. The student finds that the solid does not conduct electricity, and that dissolving the solid in water still does not allow the solution to conduct electricity. State what type of compound the solid is and explain your reasoning.
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The solid is a covalent compound (non-electrolyte), because it does not conduct electricity as a solid or in solution, so does not form ions.
Also accept: The compound is a non-electrolyte; It is covalent because it does not release ions and so cannot conduct
Common mistakes: Saying it is ionic; Saying it should conduct when solid
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States that the compound is covalent (non-electrolyte)
A1 · 1 mark · Explains the reasoning (does not conduct as solid/solution because it does not form ions)
Worked solution
The compound is covalent (a non-electrolyte), because it never conducts electricity in any form, so it does not contain ions.