Why does Socium Iodide conduct electricity, while Sucrose and Isopropyl Alcohol don't conduct electricity?

Question

Hi guys. I just had a Chemistry Lab today about Ionic, Covalent and Metallic bonds, and how their compounds react to electricity. Well, I'm still puzzled about why Sucrose and Isopropyl Alcohol don't conduct electricity, while Sodium Iodide conducts electricity strongly? Any help guys? Thank you :)

Answer 1

sodiom is a strong ionic compound....anyways your know electricity passes through copper ( like wires) imagine chopped up copper in water, the electricity would pass through it easier than plain water...get the point??

Answer 2

A compound that ionizes has loose electrons necessary for electrical conduction whereas the other compounds do not ionize and do not produce the loosely bound electrons necessary.

Answer 3

i dunno

Answer 4

I'd suggest you look at Wikipedia and do some Googling.  

I looked at the topic of conductors and novel electrolytes during a science course last term when I wanted to test whether wine or beer would be a better electrolyte for a homemade battery.

You'll find LOTS of info.  I promise.

Answer 5

Ionic compounds are composed of a lattice of atoms. When these substances are liquid, the atoms are only held in a loose association and the electrons can move freely. Free electrons = conduct electricity.

Covalent substances are a collection of molecules. The atoms in the molecule are tightly bonded but the bonds between each molecule are loose. Covalent liquids are just a looser association of molecules than a solid but the atoms in the molecules are still tightly bonded.

This means no free electrons, therefore no electrical conductivity.

Sucrose and any form of alcohol are molecular, covalent compounds (organic molecules. covalent = non-metal/non-metal bond).

Sodium iodide is an ionic compound (metal salt. ionic = non-metal/metal bond)