Question

Study the reaction: Mg+S→MgS

Assuming a common ion for Mg is Mg²⁺ and a common ion for S is S²⁻, how were electrons exchanged in this reaction?

A. There is no electron transfer between Mg and S atoms.

B. Each Mg atom loses two electrons and each S atom gains two electrons.

C. Each Mg atom gains two electrons and each S atom loses two electrons.

D. Mg and S each share an electron with the other atom.

Answer 1

In the reaction between magnesium and sulfur to form magnesium sulfide (MgS), magnesium atoms lose two electrons to become Mg²⁺ cations, and sulfur atoms gain two electrons to become S²⁻ anions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the reaction Mg(s) + S(s) → MgS(s), there is an electron transfer between magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) atoms. Magnesium is part of Group 2A and has two valence electrons, which it loses to achieve an octet configuration, thus forming the Mg²⁺ cation.

On the other hand, sulfur, which needs two electrons to complete its octet, gains these two electrons to form the S²⁻ anion. This transfer of electrons can be illustrated with electron dot diagrams showing the loss of two electrons from Mg and the gain of two electrons by S.

Considering these processes, the correct answer is:

B. Each Mg atom loses two electrons and each S atom gains two electrons.