Explain, using structure and bonding, why copper(II) nitrate cannot conduct electricity when solid, but can conduct electricity when molten or aqueous.

11/11/2019 at 5:29 pm (last edited 16/07/2020 at 8:52 am)

Copper (II) nitrate is an ionic compound. In the solid state, the ions of copper (II) nitrate are held in fixed positions in a giant ionic lattice structure. There are no mobile ions to conduct electricity.

In the molten or aqueous state, the giant ionic lattice structure is broken down. The ions are now able to move about. These mobile ions can act as charge carriers.