As a solid, calcium fluoride is a poor conductor of electricity. What would enable calcium fluoride to conduct electricity?
Question
As a solid, calcium fluoride is a poor conductor of electricity. What would enable calcium fluoride to conduct electricity?
Solution
Calcium fluoride (CaF2) is an ionic compound and a poor conductor of electricity in its solid state because the ions are not free to move. However, it can conduct electricity if it is either melted or dissolved in water. Here's why:
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Melting: When calcium fluoride is melted, it becomes a liquid. In this state, the ions (calcium and fluoride) are free to move. This movement of ions allows the conduction of electricity.
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Dissolving in Water: When calcium fluoride is dissolved in water, it splits into its ions (calcium and fluoride). These ions are free to move in the solution, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.
So, in summary, calcium fluoride can conduct electricity when it is either melted or dissolved in water because these states allow its ions to move freely.
Similar Questions
Why is ionic compounds bad conductor in their solid state?
Describe what happens when atoms of calcium and fluorine react to produce calcium fluoride.Answer in terms of electrons.A calcium ion loses two electrons to form a positive calcium ion (Ca2+). These two electrons are transferred to two fluoride ions. Each fluoride ion gains one electron to form a negative fluoride ion (F-).The positive calcium ion and the negative fluoride ions electrostatically attract, forming an ionic bond.A calcium atom loses two electrons to form a positive calcium ion (Ca2+). These two electrons are transferred to one fluorine atom. The fluorine atom gains one electron to form a negative fluoride ion (F-).The positive calcium ion and the negative iodine ion electrostatically attract, forming an ionic bond.A calcium atom loses two electrons to form a positive calcium ion (Ca2+). These two electrons are transferred to two fluorine atoms. Each fluorine atom gains one electron to form a negative fluoride ion (F-).The positive calcium ion and the negative fluoride ions electrostatically attract, forming an ionic bond.A calcium atom gains two electrons to form a positive calcium ion (Ca2+). A fluoride atom loses one electron to form a negative fluoride ion (F-).The positive calcium ion and the negative fluoride ions electrostatically attract, forming an ionic bond.
What does it mean if a substance conducts electricity?
Which of these materials are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity?1 pointAlkaline earth metalsAlkali metalsNonmetalsMetalsMetalloids
Does solid sodium chloride conduct electricity?
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