Do ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only sometimes
• D. Only if heated

Answer: (A)

When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it breaks apart into positively and negatively charged ions. These ions are free to move in the solution, so they can carry electric current. That movement of charged particles is what lets the solution conduct electricity. So, in water, ionic compounds generally conduct electricity because ions are present to carry charge. If the compound didn’t dissolve, there would be no ions and no conduction; heating isn’t required for conduction—it can increase ion mobility and solubility, but conduction can occur at room temperature once ions are present.