Question

In the equation for the formation of magnesium sulfide shown, which atom gains electrons?

Mg + S → MgS

Answer 1

Answer: The atom which gains electrons is sulfur

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

`X\rightarrow X^(n+)+ne^-`

Reduction reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.

`X^(n+)+ne^-\rightarrow X`

For the given chemical equation:

`Mg+S\rightarrow MgS`

Oxidation half reaction:
`Mg\rightarrow Mg^(2+)+2e^-`

Reduction half reaction:
`S+2e6-\rightarrow S^(2-)`

Hence, the atom which gains electrons is sulfur

Answer 2

S + 2e⁻ → S²⁻ (sulfur will gain electrons)

Mg - 2e⁻ → Mg²⁺ (magnesium will lose electrons)

Magnesium is a metal which tends to give electrons which are received by the sulfur, which is a nonmetal and tends to gain electrons.