Question

Magnesium has 2 valence electrons, and oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Which type of bonding is likely to occur between a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom?
A.
Ionic—Magnesium will give 2 electrons to oxygen, and both will become ions.
B.
Ionic—Oxygen will give 2 electrons to magnesium, and both will become ions.
C.
Metallic—Oxygen and magnesium atoms will be surrounded by a pool of electrons.

Answer 1

Answer:

A.  Ionic—Magnesium will give 2 electrons to oxygen, and both will become ions.

Explanation:

An ionic bond will form between the ions of both atoms. Ionic bonds forms when there is transfer of electrons between two atoms so as to achieve a noble configuration.

In the given problem, magnesium is a metal and highly electropositive. This implies that it will readily donate its valence electrons. Oxygen on the other hand is highly electronegative, to complete its outer shell configuration, it requires just two more electrons.

The transfer of the two electrons to the oxygen atom sets up an electrostatic force of attraction between the two ions and an ionic bond results.