AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
(B) Ions are mobile in the molten state but are rigidly held in solid state
In solid ionic compounds, ions are fixed in a rigid lattice and cannot move. On melting, electrostatic forces are overcome, ions move freely and conduct electricity.
Source: Chapter 3, Section 3.3.1 – Properties of Ionic Compounds
The textbook explicitly states: "Ionic compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity because movement of ions in the solid is not possible due to their rigid structure. But ionic compounds conduct electricity in the molten state since the electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions are overcome due to heat." Option B directly reflects this. Options A, C, and D are factually incorrect — solid ionic compounds do contain ions; melting neither generates new electrons nor creates covalent bonds.