Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity. Why?
Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity. Why?
Official answer
Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity because they are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. As a result, no charged particles (ions) or free electrons are formed in these compounds to conduct an electric current.
Marking scheme
- 1.State that covalent compounds are formed by sharing of electrons. (0.5 marks)
- 2.Explain that no ions or free charged particles are formed to carry electric current. (0.5 marks)
Hint
Think about what is required for a substance to conduct electricity (i.e., mobile charged particles) and whether covalent bonding produces them.
Quick oral answer
Covalent compounds share electrons instead of transferring them, so they do not form any free ions or charged particles. Without these mobile charge carriers, they cannot conduct electricity.
Common mistakes
- 1.Confusing covalent compounds with ionic compounds and stating they form weak ions.
- 2.Forgetting to mention the absence of charged particles/ions as the primary reason for non-conduction.
Analysis and explanation
According to the NCERT text, ionic compounds conduct electricity because they dissociate into ions in solution or in the molten state. In contrast, covalent compounds are formed by the mutual sharing of valence electrons between atoms. Since no ions or free electrons are generated during this sharing of electrons, there are no mobile charge carriers available to conduct electricity. Hence, they are poor conductors of electricity.
Interesting facts
While most covalent compounds are non-conductors, graphite (an allotrope of carbon) is an exception and conducts electricity very well due to the presence of free electrons in its hexagonal layered structure.
Question details
Q1 of 39 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2020
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 1
- Type
- Very Short Answer
- Chapter
- Carbon and its Compounds
- Topic
- Bonding in Carbon – The Covalent Bond
- Bloom's level
- Understanding
- Syllabus topic
- Covalent bonding in carbon compounds. Versatile nature of carbon.
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Carbon and its Compounds" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Bonding in Carbon – The Covalent Bond" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.