Can an ionic solid undergo electrolysis?

Ionic solids consist of a lattice structure held together by strong electrostatic forces between positively and negatively charged ions. In this solid state, the ions are fixed in place and are not free to move, which is essential for the process of electrolysis to occur.

During electrolysis, an electric current is passed through a substance, causing the ions to migrate towards the electrodes where they can gain or lose electrons, leading to chemical changes. If ions are immobilized within a solid lattice, they cannot move towards the electrodes, making it impossible for electrolysis to take place in that state.

Heating an ionic solid can turn it into a molten state or dissolve it in a solvent, such as water, which allows the ions to move freely. However, as long as the substance remains in a solid form, the process of electrolysis cannot occur. This understanding clarifies why the answer regarding the mobility of ions in an ionic solid is the correct perspective for this question.