This will be the 3rd post on Post Analysis Series “Common Errors in Chemistry Concepts made by Students”.
In Part 1, i have brought the attention that Ionic Compounds can only conduct electricity when they are in the molten or aqueous states, and the reason being the Free Moving Ions that can carry charges.
Immediately, I received a blog comment from an avid reader of this chemistry blogsite as well as facebook friend, asking me the following:
“Hi. You stated that the phrase free moving electrons is incorrect, so may I know if I?m right if I said mobile valence electrons? I think this phrase is written in the chem textbook if I didn’t remember wrongly. Hahas. I hope you can clear my doubt. Thanks! =)”
=> I am elated to receive his comments and i would like to take this opportunity to re-emphasise that for Ionic Compounds, they conduct electricity in the aqueous and molten states – NOT because of the Free Moving Electrons or Mobile Valence Electrons, but the FREE MOVING IONS.
Most of the textbooks available in the bookstores/schools have mentioned about this, but it seems like schools these days do not use the textbook for teaching anymore, and many students missed out this main concept in Ionic Bonding. Let’s check out the one by Marshall Cavendish Education (a very good Textbook by the way):
(Click image above to have a clearer view – answers at the bottom of the image)
I hope this re-affirm my emphasis towards this Chemistry Concepts that is so basic yet crucial.
PS: If you wish to have a extensive list of “Common Errors Made by 90% of students over and over again” and “what Examiners are looking out for in your examination answers”, Click Here for More Info