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Chemistry Lab · Free lesson · 22 minutes

Charged particles need a path to conduct

Distinguish ion formation from ionic bonding, use charge balance to write a formula and explain solid versus molten conductivity.

SS1 · ionic bonding

01 · Think first

Start with a question.

Solid salt contains charged ions, yet it does not conduct electricity. A circuit needs mobile charge carriers, not simply the presence of charge.

What you already know
  • Count electrons in an ion
  • Interpret positive and negative charges
  • Know solid and liquid particle arrangements
Why does solid sodium chloride not conduct under ordinary conditions?

02 · See it

Formation, attraction and movement

These are three related but different ideas. A formula gives an ion ratio, not a separate molecule cut out of the giant lattice.

Ion formation
Na loses an electron; Cl gains one
Ionic bonding
attraction of opposite charges
Solid
ions held in lattice positions
Molten or suitable aqueous solution
mobile ions carry charge

Use the justified worked steps below to explore this idea.

03 · Show steps · explain why

One justified step at a time.

  1. 1

    Na → Na⁺ + e⁻; Cl + e⁻ → Cl⁻

    Electron transfer explains how these ions can form. The number of electrons lost equals the number gained.

04 · Mistake clinic

Find the first wrong idea.

Tempting wrong line

Salt conducts as a solid because its particles are charged.

Compare the correction and its reason

A conducting path needs mobile charge carriers. Solid salt's ions are held in place.

The wrong explanation checks only the existence of charge. It ignores whether those charges can move through the material.

Check: Describe both the structure and the possible motion of the charge carriers before predicting conductivity.

A mistake is evidence about the next idea to repair. It is not a label for the learner.

05 · Your turn

Try first. Then use a hint.

1. One Mg²⁺ is balanced by how many Cl⁻ ions?guided practice
2. Which sample provides mobile ions?independent practice
3. Which neutral formula follows from Al³⁺ and O²⁻?far practice

06 · Check & reflect → next step

Understanding includes explaining.

Explain the difference between making ions, attracting ions and moving ions.

Choose your next learning need

Use correct formulae before balancing an equation. Balancing must never change a substance's formula.

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Source and review status

JEM-CH-C04-001 · Phase 5A Chemistry Foundations Matter Atomic Structure Periodicity Bonding · Lab 10 · printed pp. 35–36

This published free lesson contains selected explanations and authored practice. Complete canonical volumes and tutor solutions remain in the protected Content Vault.