# Explain why ionic compounds can conduct electricity when dissolved in water but not when solid.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.2.2 How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a solid ionic compound, the ions are held in a fixed lattice / ions cannot move
2. Because ions cannot move, charge cannot be carried / electricity cannot be conducted in the solid state
3. When dissolved in water, the ionic lattice breaks apart and the ions are free to move
4. The free-moving ions carry charge through the solution, allowing electrical conduction

## Key terms

- [ionic compound](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ionic-compound)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-ionic-compounds-can-conduct-d92e676c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.