# Explain why sodium chloride has a high melting point but does not conduct electricity when solid.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 1.7 Types of substance · Explain · 4 marks

> Sodium chloride is an ionic compound formed from sodium ions and chloride ions arranged in a giant lattice structure.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sodium chloride has a giant ionic lattice structure
2. There are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions that require a large amount of energy to break, giving a high melting point
3. In the solid state the ions are held in fixed positions / cannot move freely
4. Electrical conductivity requires charged particles to move, so solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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