The electrical conductivity of ionic substances
2 marks · HardExplain, in terms of ions, why solid sodium oxide does not conduct electricity.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
Also accept: The ions in solid sodium oxide are fixed in place and cannot move; Solid sodium oxide contains ions that are not free to move, so it does not conduct; In a solid ionic substance, ions are held in a lattice and cannot carry charge
Common mistakes: Referring to electrons moving; Saying ions are not charged; Vague answers like 'it can't conduct electricity'
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States that the ions are fixed in position in the solid/lattice and cannot move.
A1 · 1 mark · States that because ions cannot move, electrical conduction does not happen.
Worked solution
In solid sodium oxide, the ions are held firmly in the lattice and are not free to move.
Because the ions cannot move, solid sodium oxide cannot conduct electricity.