* Ionic Compounds: These compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).
* Dissolving in Water: When an ionic compound dissolves in water, the water molecules surround the ions and pull them apart, breaking the ionic bonds. This process is called dissociation.
* Free Ions: The dissolved ions are now free to move around independently in the solution.
* Electrical Conductivity: These freely moving ions act as charge carriers. When a potential difference (voltage) is applied across the solution, the positive ions move towards the negative electrode (cathode) and the negative ions move towards the positive electrode (anode). This flow of charge constitutes an electric current, making the solution conductive.
Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound. When dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions. These free ions allow the solution to conduct electricity.
Important Note: Ionic compounds do *not* conduct electricity in their solid state because the ions are fixed in a rigid lattice structure and cannot move freely.
