How can you predict whether or not a substance will conduct electricity, if you knew the chemical formula?

Question

Thanks.

Answer 1

1. Metals conduct electricity, so if there is just the symbol of a metal, eg Mg(s), then it will conduct, even in the solid or liquid state.
2. Ionic compounds conduct when they are dissolved in water, or are melted. Ionic compounds always start with a metal. So MgCl2(s) will not conduct, but MgCl2(aq) and MgCl2(l) will.
3. Acids will conduct as long as they are dilute and the acid is strong. HCl(aq) will therefore conduct.