Answer:
Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct an electrical current. In the case of magnesium oxide and silicon (IV) oxide, magnesium oxide is an ionic compound whereas silicon (IV) oxide is a covalent compound.
Magnesium oxide consists of magnesium cations (Mg^2+) and oxide anions (O^2-) held together by ionic bonds. In contrast, silicon (IV) oxide consists of silicon atoms bonded to oxygen atoms through covalent bonds.
Ionic compounds, like magnesium oxide, typically conduct electricity when melted or dissolved in water because the ions are free to move and carry the electric charge. Therefore, magnesium oxide has high electrical conductivity when in molten state or in aqueous solution.
Covalent compounds, like silicon (IV) oxide, on the other hand, do not conduct electricity because the electrons are tightly held within the molecules and are not free to move and carry the electric charge.
Based on this difference in electrical conductivity, we can distinguish between magnesium oxide and silicon (IV) oxide. By testing the electrical conductivity of a sample of the unknown compound, if it conducts electricity, it is likely magnesium oxide. If it does not conduct electricity, it is likely silicon (IV) oxide.
