Your 1 week March Holiday is coming to an end. Hope the last 7 days have been fruitful to you in terms of your catching up with school work.
A good question for Ionic Bonding. Go give it a try!
Question:
Explain the following observation:
“Solid sodium chloride does not conduct an electric current but a solution of sodium chloride in water is a good conductor.”
Cheers
Sean
PS: Check “Comments” below for Suggested Answers.
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Solid Sodium Chloride does not dissolve in water because the ions are in its fixed position and thus unable to move.However when dissolved in water,the ions are free to move thus able to carry the electrons.
Is my explanation vague?My Chemistry teacher always say that.I have problems answering such questions…any tips in answering?=)Thanks in advance!
Gary
Reply
Hi Gary,
Think you teacher meant that we must have the main points written for each
question. Not so much that your answers are vague.
My suggested answers (in main points format to help you):
Solid Sodium Chloride:
1) Na+ & Cl- ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction
2) In a Crystal Lattice Structure
3) Ions are in fixed position and unable to move around
4) Thus, it does not conduct electricity
Sodium Chloride in Water:
1) Na+ & Cl- ions are free to move in water
2) Thus, it conducts electricity
Seems like you only missed out 1 point -> “Crystal Lattice Structure”
Hope this helps
Sean
Reply