As an expert in the field of physics, particularly in the area of electrical conductivity and gaseous states, I can provide you with an in-depth explanation about whether neon can conduct electricity.

Neon is a noble gas, and noble gases are known for their lack of reactivity due to their full valence electron shells. This characteristic makes them excellent insulators under normal conditions. However, the ability of a gas to conduct electricity is not solely determined by its reactivity but also by its ionization potential and the presence of free electrons or ions.

When discussing the electrical conductivity of gases, it's important to consider the process of ionization. Ionization is the process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons to form ions. In the case of neon, it requires a significant amount of energy to remove an electron from its stable configuration, which results in a high ionization potential. This high ionization potential means that under normal conditions, neon does not readily become ionized and therefore does not conduct electricity well.

However, under certain conditions, neon can indeed conduct electricity. This occurs when the gas is subjected to a strong electric field, such as that produced by a high voltage applied across a gas-filled tube. When the electric field is strong enough, it can strip electrons from the neon atoms, creating ions and free electrons. This process is what is referred to as striking. Once ionized, the neon gas can conduct electricity because it now contains charged particles that can move in response to an electric field.

The phenomenon you mentioned, where neon glows, is related to but distinct from its electrical conductivity. When neon is ionized, its electrons can be excited to higher energy levels. As these electrons fall back to their ground state, they release energy in the form of photons, which we observe as light. This emission of light at a very specific frequency is what gives neon its characteristic glow. However, it's important to note that the gas does not need to be glowing in order to conduct electricity. The glow is a byproduct of the ionization process and the subsequent release of energy as light.

In summary, while neon is a poor conductor of electricity under normal conditions due to its high ionization potential and lack of free charge carriers, it can conduct electricity when ionized under the influence of a strong electric field. The glowing effect is a visual indication of the ionization process and the release of energy as light, but it is not a prerequisite for electrical conductivity.

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This is called striking. Neon glows because when it's ionized, one or more of its electrons can become raised to a higher energy level, and when they fall back to its ground state they emits a photon of light at a very specific frequency. But it's not necessary for the gas to be glowing to conduct electricity.read more >>