Question

a) When magnesium forms a compound with oxygen, electrons are transferred from the atom to the atom. b) What type of bonding exists between the magnesium and oxygen atoms? c) Indicate the electrical charge on each of the ions and the total electrical charge on the compound.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Magnesium = Mg (metal) ⇒ oxidation number = +2 (it loses 2 electrons)

Oxygen = O (non-metal) ⇒ oxidation number in oxides = -2 (it gains 2 electrons)

a) We first write the chemical elements with their oxidation numbers in superscripts:

Mg⁺² O⁻²

Then, the oxidation numbers are written crossed as subscripts:

Mg₂O₂

Finally, we divide by a common denominator (2):

MgO

b) Between a metal (Mg) and a non-metal (O), the formed bond is an ionic bond. The metallic element (Mg) loses 2 electrons that are accepted by the non-metallic element (O).

c) Mg : loses 2 electrons ⇒ +2

O: gains 2 electrons ⇒ -2

The total electrical charge is: +2 + (-2) = 0