Can Ionic Compounds Conduct Electricity?

Ionic bonds are the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. Ionic solids exist as networks/lattices of oppositely charged ions. Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid state as the ions are not free to move.

Can all ionic compounds conduct electricity?

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten (liquid) or in aqueous solution (dissolved in water), because their ions are free to move from place to place. Ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity when solid, as their ions are held in fixed positions and cannot move.

Do ionic or covalent compounds conduct electricity?

Although solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity because there are no free mobile ions or electrons, ionic compounds dissolved in water make an electrically conductive solution. In contrast, covalent compounds do not exhibit any electrical conductivity, either in pure form or when dissolved in water.