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Magnesium oxide is an ionic substance, so when in a solid state the ions are held in a strong lattice formation (electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions). Ionic substances can only conduct electricity if their ions are free to move. In a molten state, the ions become free to move (the strong electrostatic forces of attraction are overcome when the melting poing is reached) and can therefore carry a charge (i.e. conduct electricity).
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agomagnesium oxide is an ionic compound. Generally ionic compounds have high melting points and only conduct when molten or dissolved. In simple terms ionic solids do not conduct by ion migration as the ions are held tightly in the lattice, and do not conduct by electron migration as the electrons are bound in the ions. A deeper view is that MgO has a high band gap, as indicated by its lack of color. Therefore electrons need to be excited before they are able to move under an electric field. This contrasts with say galena, PbS
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoit doesn't only if it is a molten or liquid
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoNo.In the soild state,magnesium oxide does not have any mobile electrons.Without the possession of these electrons,any element would not be able to conduct electricity.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agobecause it can
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoMagnesium oxide is an insulator.
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Is rust a conductor of electricity?
Iron oxide does not conduct.
What is the common name for MgO?
Magnesium Oxide
Is Magnesium oxide a good conductor of electric?
Only when melted or dissolved in a polar solvent.
What does magnesium and copper oxide make?
Magnesium + copper oxide --> magnesium oxide + copper
What atoms are in magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide contains magnesium and oxygen.
Does magnesium oxide conduct electricity when solid?
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Does solid magnesium oxide conduct electricity?
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Does aluminum oxide conduct in liquid form?
As aluminium oxide is an ionic compound, it conducts electricity in molten state.
Does sodium Bromide conduct electricity in liquid state?
after heating Lead Bromide, it becomes a molten which conducts electricity. so the answer is yes it does. lead bromide's an ionic bond. so, compared to the structure of an ionic bond, lead bromide does conduct electricity when molten. When molten or in an aqueous state, the ions become free to move and so it can carry electric charge around as well.
Is magnesium shiny and does it conduct heat and electricity?
Magnesium would only be shiny in a freshly cut surface. It quickly oxidizes with a film of protective oxide rapidly forming. In this condition it would look grey. It does conduct both heat and electricity.
Why doesn't sodium oxide conduct electricity?
covalent bonds do not conduct electricity covalent bonds do not conduct electricity covalent bonds do not conduct electricity
What is the electrical conductivity of magnesium oxide?
yes
Why does aluminum oxide not conduct electricity as a solid?
Sodium Iodide is held together by covelent bonds, therefore no "free" electrons exist which is what makes metals conductive. - Bird.
What is formed when magnesium is heated?
The solid formed is magnesium oxide.The gas formed is carbon dioxide.
Is rust a conductor of electricity?
Iron oxide does not conduct.
What is the common name for MgO?
Magnesium Oxide
Does calcium nitrate conduct electricity?
Calcium Hydroxide cannot conduct electricity when it is in solid state but it can conduct electricity in aqueous solution state or molten state. This is because it is an ionic compound. Ionic compounds are made of charged ions which are held tightly in solid state but become mobile in molten or aqueous solution state. The movement of these mobile ions between electrodes helps in conducting electricity.
