Final answer:
Magnesium Oxide, MgO, has ionic bonds due to the transfer of electrons from metallic magnesium to non-metallic oxygen, forming Mg2+ and O2- ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying the Bond Type in Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
The question asks whether Magnesium Oxide, MgO, is likely to have ionic or covalent bonds. To determine the type of bonding in MgO, we can consider the elements involved. Magnesium (Mg) is a metal with an electronegativity of 1.31 and typically forms cations by losing electrons. Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal with an electronegativity of 3.44 and tends to form anions by gaining electrons. The substantial difference in electronegativity between Mg and O suggests that electrons are transferred from Mg to O, resulting in the formation of ionic bonds. Therefore, MgO is an ionic compound, consisting of Mg2+ and O2- ions held together by strong electrostatic forces.