C2.7 Properties of ionic compounds

Properties of ionic compounds

Sodium chloride, magnesium oxide and other ionic substances do not conduct electricity when they are solid. However, they do conduct electricity when they are molten (heated until they turn into a liquid). This is why aluminium can be extracted from molten aluminium oxide by electrolysis. Ionic substances also conduct electricity when they are in aqueous solution (dissolved in water)- this is why sea water will conduct electricity. 

Two conditions must be met for a substance to conduct electricity. It must contain charged particles and these particles must be free to move. Ionic substances…