Under what conditions do ionic compounds conduct electricity?

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are molten or in solution due to the presence of mobile ions. In solid form, the ions in an ionic compound are fixed in a rigid lattice structure and cannot move freely; thus, no electrical conductivity occurs. However, when an ionic compound is melted or dissolved in water, the rigid lattice breaks down, allowing the ions to move freely throughout the molten liquid or solution. These free-moving ions can carry an electric current, which is why ionic compounds are good conductors of electricity in these states. This principle is crucial in understanding the behavior of ionic compounds in various chemical and physical environments.