Why are metallic solids so good at conducting electricity, but ionic solids are non-conductors?
1 Answer
Jan 28, 2018
Metallic solids have free electrons that can move to conduct electricity whereas ionic solids don't
Explanation:
Due to their bonding, metallic solids have delocalised electrons.
These free electrons can move around, therefore can conduct electricity.
Ionic solids have a strong 3D lattice of ions. They are held very strongly by the attraction between positive ions and negative ions. The electrons are localised, meaning that the electrons cannot move around the structure like a metal, rather stay close to the ion. So ionic solids can't conduct electricity.
