Question

what is required for a substance to be conductive? they must contain covalent bonds. they must contain ions. they must be in a solid phase at room temperature. they must have low melting points.

Explanation:

For a substance to be conductive, it needs to have mobile charge carriers. Ions can act as charge carriers when they are free to move (e.g., in a molten ionic compound or an ionic solution). Covalent - bonded substances (like most non - metals in their standard form) usually do not have free - moving charge carriers for electrical conduction. The phase (solid, liquid, gas) at room temperature is not a determining factor for conductivity (e.g., mercury is a liquid metal and is conductive). Low melting point has no direct relation to conductivity.

Answer:

They must contain ions.