Why can't ionic compounds conduct electricity while in a solid state?

Question

Explain why ionic compounds can conduct electricity in the molten state or when dissolved, but not when they are solids?

Answer 1

i think it's because in solid states, the electrostatic forces keep the positive and negative ions together. but when placed in water, the ions separate, free to move about in the water.

Answer 2

Can Ionic Compounds Conduct Electricity

Answer 3

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RE:
Why can't ionic compounds conduct electricity while in a solid state?
Explain why ionic compounds can conduct electricity in the molten state or when dissolved, but not when they are solids?

Answer 4

Ionic compounds are made up of oppositely-charged ions held in fixed positions in a crystal lattice, by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.
When solid, the strong electrostatic forces keep the ions immobile. Since there are no mobile charged particles, electrical conduction is not possible.
When molten, sufficient energy is provided and taken in by the ions to overcome the electrostatic forces. The crystal lattice breaks apart, the ions are free to move and thus conduct current.
Similarly, when the ionic compound dissolved in water, the water molecules are able to 'isolate' the charged ions (water molecules being polar). The crystal lattice breaks apart, the ions are free to move and conduction of electricity is possible.
Hopes this helps. :)

Answer 5

But 2 doesn't explain why solid CsCl doesn't conduct. So i'd go with (b).