Question

which of the following correctly indicates whether the solid represented by the particulate model shown above conducts electricity and explains why or why not?
a it conducts electricity because it is made of positive and negative ions.
b it conducts electricity because it is made of particles of different sizes.
c it does not conduct electricity because its ions cannot move freely within the solid.
d it does not conduct electricity because there are small spaces between the particles.

Explanation:

Ionic solids are made of positive and negative ions. For a substance to conduct electricity, it needs mobile charge - carriers. In the solid state of ionic compounds, the ions are held in fixed positions by strong ionic bonds and cannot move freely.

Answer:

C. It does not conduct electricity because its ions cannot move freely within the solid.