Does aqueous sodium chloride conduct electricity?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only when heated
• D. Only if it is molten

Answer: (A)

Electric current in a solution is carried by mobile charged particles. When an ionic compound like sodium chloride dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl−). These ions are surrounded by water molecules (hydrated) and can move under an electric field, so they carry charge through the solution. That movement of ions is what conducts electricity in the aqueous solution. Pure water has very few ions and conducts poorly, but adding dissolved salt increases the number of charge carriers, boosting conductivity. The solid crystal, in contrast, has ions fixed in place and cannot conduct; molten salt can conduct because its ions are free to move. So, aqueous sodium chloride does conduct electricity.