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2023 O Level Chem P1 Q13 — Metallic Bonding and Electrical Conduction Solution

Metallic Bonding and Electrical Conduction 2023 O Level Pure Chemistry · Paper 1 · Q13

Question

In the liquid state, which substance conducts electricity using mobile electrons?
  1. Aammonia
  2. Bammonium chloride
  3. Ccobalt(II) chloride
  4. Dcobalt
Correct answer: D

Video Solution

Explanation

Answer: D. Conduction via mobile electrons is a property of metals (and graphite, the only common non-metal exception). Ionic compounds conduct via mobile ions, not electrons. Covalent molecular substances do not conduct at all.

A — ammonia: a simple molecular covalent compound. No mobile electrons or ions. ✗
B — ammonium chloride: ionic. When molten or dissolved it conducts via \(\text{NH}_4^+\) and \(\text{Cl}^-\) ions, not electrons. ✗
C — cobalt(II) chloride: ionic. When liquid (molten), conducts via \(\text{Co}^{2+}\) and \(\text{Cl}^-\) ions, not electrons. ✗
D — cobalt: a transition metal. Even in the liquid state it retains a sea of delocalised valence electrons that carry charge. ✓

So cobalt is the only liquid here that conducts using mobile electrons.

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