# Sodium chloride does not conduct electricity as a solid but does conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Explain why sodium chloride behaves differently in these two situations.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.6 Ionic compounds · Explain · 4 marks

> Sodium chloride is an ionic compound with a giant lattice structure. In its solid state it does not conduct electricity, but when dissolved in water it becomes a good electrical conductor.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In solid sodium chloride, the ions are held in fixed positions in the giant lattice by strong electrostatic forces
2. Because the ions cannot move freely in the solid, charge cannot be carried, so it does not conduct electricity
3. When dissolved in water, the giant lattice breaks apart and the ions are released/dissociate into the solution
4. The free-moving ions in solution can carry charge/current, so the solution conducts electricity

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/sodium-chloride-does-not-conduct-electricity-ec6571f3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.