Magnesium sulfate and barium sulfate are both ionic compounds.
During a medical imaging procedure, a patient is given an oral suspension of barium sulfate. Although barium ions are highly toxic, this procedure is safe because barium sulfate is extremely insoluble and its aqueous mixture does not conduct electricity. In contrast, magnesium sulfate is highly soluble and its aqueous solution conducts electricity efficiently.
Explain, in terms of solubility and the movement of ions, why an aqueous mixture of magnesium sulfate conducts electricity whereas an aqueous mixture of barium sulfate does not.
