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.
