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Which of the following best describes why ionic compounds like potassium bromide (KBr) do NOT conduct electricity in solid form but do in molten form?
Solid KBr has weak ions that do not conduct electricity.
In molten form, KBr decomposes into gaseous atoms.
Ionic bonds prevent ion movement in solid KBr.
Solid KBr consists of neutral atoms with no free electrons.
Ionic bonds prevent ion movement in solid KBr.
Ionic compounds like KBr consist of a rigid lattice of ions held together by strong electrostatic forces. In solid form, these ions are locked in fixed positions and cannot move; however, when melted, the lattice breaks down, allowing the ions to become free-moving charge carriers that conduct electricity.
Ionic compounds like KBr consist of a rigid lattice of ions held together by strong electrostatic forces. In solid form, these ions are locked in fixed positions and cannot move; however, when melted, the lattice breaks down, allowing the ions to become free-moving charge carriers that conduct electricity.
Think of a crowd in a stadium: if everyone is sitting in their assigned seats (solid state), there is no movement. If the whistle blows and everyone stands up to mingle (molten/liquid state), people can move around freely.
F=r2kq1тАЛq2тАЛтАЛ тАФ Coulomb's Law governing electrostatic force between ions
Electrical conductivity requires the movement of charged particles. In a crystal lattice, electrostatic attraction between K+ and BrтИТ ions prevents individual migration. Upon melting, the thermal energy overcomes the lattice enthalpy, transforming the substance into a fluid phase where ions are free to migrate toward electrodes under an applied potential difference.
Ionic solids are crystalline with high melting points.
Conductivity in ionic compounds depends on the mobility of ions, not electrons.
Electrostatic forces are strongest in the solid lattice phase.
Molten salts are excellent electrolytes in batteries.
High energy required to achieve the molten state for many salts.
Electrolysis of molten aluminum oxide (Hall-Heroult process).
Molten salt reactors for nuclear power.
KBr (Potassium Bromide) is a typical ionic salt with a face-centered cubic structure.
Option A is incorrect because ions are not 'weak'; they are strongly bonded.
Option B is incorrect as melting is a physical change, not decomposition into gases.
Option D is incorrect because ionic compounds are not composed of neutral atoms, but charged ions.
C is correct тАФ Ionic bonds in the solid lattice restrict ion movement, preventing conductivity until the lattice structure is broken by melting.
Always remember that in ionic compounds, charge carriers are ions, whereas in metals, charge carriers are free delocalized electrons.
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