Question

1. When an ionic bond forms between magnesium (Mg) and bromine (Br), which of the following occurs?

A. Mg loses one electron. 
B. Mg loses two electrons.
C. Mg gains two electrons. 
D. Mg and Br share electrons.

2. Which of the following must occur in order for an ionic bond to form?

A. Two ions must be close enough to each other to share electrons. 
B. Uncharged atoms must remain electrically neutral and combine.
C. Two ions must belong to the same group to be attracted to each other. 
D. An atom that gains electrons must be attracted to an atom that loses electrons.

Answer 1

In the formation of an ionic bond between magnesium and bromine, magnesium loses two electrons to become a Mg₂ + ion, and these oppositely charged ions attract each other to form the bond.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Ionic Bonds between Magnesium and Bromine:

1. When an ionic bond forms between magnesium (Mg) and bromine (Br), the process involves a transfer of electrons. Specifically, Mg loses two electrons (Option B) to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the nearest noble gas. As a result, magnesium becomes a Mg₂+ ion.

2. For an ionic bond to form, there must be a transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to the formation of ions with opposite charges, which are then attracted to each other (Option D). An atom with a lower electronegativity, like magnesium, will lose electrons and become a positively charged cation. Conversely, an atom with higher electronegativity will gain electrons and become a negatively charged anion, such as bromine becoming Br-.

Answer 2

The correct answers are:

1. B. Mg loses two electrons.

When Mg and Br combine, 2 atoms of Br attaches itself to Mg. The chemical reaction is:

Mg + Br ---> MgBr2

Since Br is more electronegative than Mg, then Mg loses an electron per Br therefore losing 2 electrons.

2. D. An atom that gains electrons must be attracted to an atom that loses electrons.

An ionic bond is formed when one molecule is more electronegative than the other molecule which results in gaining and losing of electrons. The more electronegative molecule gains electron while the less electronegative loses electron.