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Ionic Compound

An ionic compound is a compound formed by attraction between oppositely charged ions.

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Student-friendly explanation

Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions, so they usually have high melting points. In the solid state, ions are fixed in place, so they do not conduct electricity. In molten or aqueous state, ions become mobile and can carry current.

How to write this in exams

  1. 1

    Start with the exact idea

    An ionic compound is a compound formed by attraction between oppositely charged ions.

  2. 2

    Then show how to use it

    1. Identify the state: solid, molten, or aqueous. 2. In solid, ions are fixed. 3. In molten or aqueous form, ions move. 4. Conclude conductivity from ion mobility.

  3. 3

    Add one concrete example

    Sodium chloride is an ionic compound.

  4. 4

    Avoid this incomplete answer

    A common wrong answer is to say solid ionic compounds conduct because they contain charged particles, but charge alone is not enough without movement.

Definition

An ionic compound is a compound formed by attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Example

Sodium chloride is an ionic compound.

Rule to remember

Rule: ionic compounds conduct electricity only when ions are free to move, such as in molten or aqueous state.

Memory hook

Fixed ions cannot carry current; moving ions can.

Examples and method

Worked example

A dry salt crystal does not glow a bulb in a simple circuit, but melted salt can allow current to pass because the ions move through the liquid.

Method to apply

1. Identify the state: solid, molten, or aqueous. 2. In solid, ions are fixed. 3. In molten or aqueous form, ions move. 4. Conclude conductivity from ion mobility.

Diagram support

A lattice diagram with fixed ions in solid state and free ions in molten state is very useful here.

How CBSE asks it

Questions often ask about conductivity in solid versus molten state, reasons for high melting point, or the role of ions in current flow.

Avoid common mistakes

Common confusion

Students often think an ionic solid conducts electricity because it contains ions, but the ions must be mobile to carry current.

Common wrong answer

A common wrong answer is to say solid ionic compounds conduct because they contain charged particles, but charge alone is not enough without movement.

Exam tip

Check the state first: solid ionic compound usually does not conduct, but molten or aqueous ionic compound can conduct.

Quick check

Why does solid sodium chloride not conduct electricity, but molten sodium chloride can conduct?

In the solid state, the ions are fixed in the lattice, so they cannot move and carry charge. When sodium chloride is molten, the ions become mobile and can conduct electricity.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark answer

An ionic compound is a compound formed by attraction between oppositely charged ions.

2-mark answer

An ionic compound is a compound formed by attraction between oppositely charged ions. Rule: ionic compounds conduct electricity only when ions are free to move, such as in molten or aqueous state. Sodium chloride is an ionic compound.

3-mark answer

Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions, so they usually have high melting points. In the solid state, ions are fixed in place, so they do not conduct electricity. In molten or aqueous state, ions become mobile and can carry current. Rule: ionic compounds conduct electricity only when ions are free to move, such as in molten or aqueous state. A dry salt crystal does not glow a bulb in a simple circuit, but melted salt can allow current to pass because the ions move through the liquid. Questions often ask about conductivity in solid versus molten state, reasons for high melting point, or the role of ions in current flow. A common wrong answer is to say solid ionic compounds conduct because they contain charged particles, but charge alone is not enough without movement.
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