Why are ionic solids poor conductors of electricity?

1 Answer
Apr 21, 2017

Because the ions are not free to move in the solid state........

Explanation:

..........and, therefore, cannot carry a current. In a melt (for which typical ionic solids must be raised to very high temperatures), or solvated by polar molecules in a solution (typically an aqueous solution), the ions are free to move with respect to each other, and can move, carrying a current, upon the application of an electric potential.