Why does the structure of lithium oxide allow it to conduct electricity under certain conditions?

Lithium oxide has the formula Li2O. It has an ionic structure as it is formed from a metal and a non-metal. It has lithium ions with a +1 charge, as lithium is found in Group 1 of the periodic table, and oxygen ions with a charge of -2 as it is a Group 6 element. Therefore, there are 2 lithium ions for every oxygen ion, and they are held together by electrostatic forces which is the attraction between oppositely charged ions. They are held together in a lattice.Li2O is able to conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water. This is because the electrostatic forces are weakened, so the ions are no longer held in a lattice. The ions are therefore free to move throughout the structure and carry the charge.

AI
Answered by Amy I. Chemistry tutor

11598 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe what happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulfur giving your answer in terms of electrons.


25.00cm3 of sodium hydroxide was pipetted into a conical flask. It was titrated against 0.10mol/dm3 hydrochloric acid. The mean volume of acid needed was 24.00cm3. Calculate the concentration of sodium hydroxide used in the titration.


In an analysis of copper sulfide, 12.7g of copper was found to be combined with 3.2 g of sulfur. Calculate the empirical formula.


how is steel stronger than iron?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning