Chemistry

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Metals and Non-metals

Question

Why can a solution of copper sulphate conduct electricity but solid copper sulphate cannot?

2 years ago

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Madilyn Kertzmann


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For conduction of electricity to occur, charged particles such as ions must be free to move so that electrical current can flow. In a solution of copper sulphate, the copper ions and sulphate ions are dissociated and are free to move. In solid copper sulphate the copper and sulphate ions are held rigidly in a giant ionic lattice by strong ionic bonds and cannot move.

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