| An ionic compound in the solid cannot conduct electricity because its ions are held together by strong ionic bons which are not free to move about. Particlas in solid can only vibrate in their fixed positions. But in molten state, the ions can move about freely. Since it is melted down, it exists as liquid.
In the aqueous state, the ionic compound dissolves in water, and the water molecules dissociate into H3O+ ions and OH- ions, which can conduct electricity. |