Question

Which does the formation of magnesium oxide differ from the formation of sodium chloride?

a) Magnesium oxide forms through covalent bonds
b) Sodium chloride forms through ionic bonds
c) Both form through the same process
d) Magnesium oxide forms in a gaseous state

Answer 1

Magnesium oxide (MgO) and sodium chloride (NaCl) differ in their formation. MgO forms through ionic bonding, while NaCl also forms through ionic bonding. Both compounds consist of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by electrostatic attraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Magnesium oxide (MgO) and sodium chloride (NaCl) differ in their formation. MgO forms through ionic bonding, while NaCl also forms through ionic bonding. Ionic bonding occurs when one atom transfers electrons to another atom. In the case of MgO, magnesium loses two electrons to oxygen, while in the case of NaCl, sodium loses one electron to chlorine. Both compounds consist of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by electrostatic attraction.