Question detail
Explain why small molecular substances usually do not conduct electricity.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances
Question
Explain why small molecular substances usually do not conduct electricity.
Answer
Small molecular substances do not conduct electricity because they do not have charged particles that are free to move. In these substances, the molecules are held together by covalent bonds, and there are no free ions or delocalised electrons present to carry an electric current.
Explanation
This answer is strong because it directly addresses the lack of mobile charged particles in small molecular substances, which is the key reason for their inability to conduct electricity. The question tests the understanding of the properties of small molecular substances in relation to electrical conductivity.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Conductivity
Students often think that small molecular substances can conduct electricity because they contain atoms that are bonded covalently.
Emphasize that small molecular substances usually do not conduct electricity because they lack free-moving charged particles, unlike ionic compounds.
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