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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Solid State  ·  NEET & JEE

Which of the following explains why ionic solids do not conduct electricity in the solid state but do when molten?

Answer: Ions are fixed in their lattice positions in the solid state but become free to move on melting.

  • A The electrons are said to become delocalised mainly once the solid is melted in routine practice
  • B Ions are fixed in their lattice positions in the solid state but become free to move on melting
  • C Rising temperature is said to change the overall electron density of the ions overall in most cases
  • D The bonds are said to become ionic in character mainly after melting occurs under typical conditions

Correct answer: B. Ions are fixed in their lattice positions in the solid state but become free to move on melting

Explanation: In solid ionic compounds, ions are held rigidly in the crystal lattice. When melted, they become free to move and carry current.

Cubic Unit Cells: Atom PositionsSimple CubicCN=6, 52.4% packedBody-Centred (BCC)CN=8, 68% packedFace-Centred (FCC)CN=12, 74% packed (densest)Corner atoms (shared by 8 cells) shown lighter; body/face-centre atoms shown solid

The three cubic unit cells: Simple Cubic has atoms only at corners; Body-Centred adds one atom at the centre; Face-Centred adds one atom at the centre of each of the 6 faces, giving the highest packing efficiency.

Concept context

Explore the ordered world of crystalline solids: unit cells, packing, defects, and how structure determines electrical and magnetic properties.

Read the full Solid State notes →