What is an ionic substance? Are ionic substances good conductors of electricity?

Ionic compounds are compounds held together by ionic bonds. Ionic bonds are created when one element (usually a metal) loses an electron to a non metal. The element that loses electrons is called a cation and is positively charged. The element that gains electrons is called an anion and is negatively charged.

In the usual state, ionic substances do not conduct electricity but when dissolved or melted make good conductors. Examples: sodium chloride (NaCl)