In ionic solids, the oppositely charged ions are closely packed in space and have strong electrostatic forces of attraction. These compound have high melting and boiling points and are poor conductors of electricity in the solid state.
(i) Why are ionic solids poor conductros of electricity ?
(ii) What happens to electrical conductivity when these are dissolved in water ?

Explanation

(i) The electrical conductivity is due to the mobility of ions. Since ions don’t move in the solid state, these solids are therefore, poor conductors.
(ii) In aqueous solution, the ions get separted or get dissociated. They also acquire mobility. Therefore, in water or in aqueous solution, ions compounds become conducting.
(iii) This property of ionic compounds is very useful. The processes of electrolysis, electroplating and working of all types of cells (storage cells and betteries) is linked with the mobility of ions.