Question

molten (liquid) nacl is represented by the particulate diagram shown above. which of the following indicates whether nacl(l) conducts electricity and best explains why or why not?
a it conducts electricity because na is a metal.

b it conducts electricity because ions are free to move

c it does not conduct electricity because cl is a nonmetal.

d it does not conduct electricity because there are no free electrons.

Explanation:

To determine if molten \( \text{NaCl} \) conducts electricity, we analyze the options:

• Option A: \( \text{NaCl} \) is an ionic compound, not a metal (Na is a metal, but \( \text{NaCl} \) is a compound). So A is incorrect.
• Option B: In molten (liquid) state, ionic compounds like \( \text{NaCl} \) dissociate into mobile \( \text{Na}^+ \) and \( \text{Cl}^- \) ions. These free - moving ions can carry electric charge, allowing conduction. This matches the particulate diagram showing separated ions.
• Option C: \( \text{Cl} \) (chlorine) is a nonmetal, but the conductivity of molten \( \text{NaCl} \) depends on ions, not the nature of \( \text{Cl} \) as a nonmetal. Also, molten \( \text{NaCl} \) does conduct electricity, so C is wrong.
• Option D: Ionic compounds conduct via ions, not free electrons (free electrons are for metallic conduction). Molten \( \text{NaCl} \) has free ions, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. It conducts electricity because ions are free to move