a) Sodium chloride is an ionic solid. It contains sodium ions, Na^+, and chloride ions, Cl^-. In solid sodium chloride, the ions are arranged as shown in the diagram. (i) Solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity. Give a reason why solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity, even though it contains ions. (ii) Molten sodium chloride can be electrolysed. When it is electrolysed, sodium is produced at one of the electrodes. Explain how the sodium ions, Na^+, become sodium atoms, Na.

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a) Sodium chloride is an ionic solid - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1

Question 4

a) Sodium chloride is an ionic solid. It contains sodium ions, Na^+, and chloride ions, Cl^-. In solid sodium chloride, the ions are arranged as shown in the diagra... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:a) Sodium chloride is an ionic solid - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1

Step 1

(i) Solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity.

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Answer

Solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity because its ions are in fixed positions within a rigid lattice structure. This arrangement restricts the movement of the Na^+ and Cl^- ions, preventing the material from conducting electric current.

Step 2

(ii) Explain how the sodium ions, Na^+, become sodium atoms, Na.

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Answer

During electrolysis, sodium ions (Na^+) gain electrons at the cathode. The reaction is:

$ext{Na}^+ + e^- \rightarrow \text{Na}$

This gain of electrons reduces the sodium ions to neutral sodium atoms.

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Questions answered

a) Sodium chloride is an ionic solid - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:a) Sodium chloride is an ionic solid - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1

(i) Solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity.

(ii) Explain how the sodium ions, Na^+, become sodium atoms, Na.

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