Magnesium has two valence electrons, and oxygen has six valence electrons. What type of bonding is likely to occur between a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom?

Question

Chemistry

Marilyn

14 August, 08:50

Magnesium has two valence electrons, and oxygen has six valence electrons. What type of bonding is likely to occur between a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom?

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Vivian Mccoy · Answer 1

Magnesium and Oxygen atoms would cause an ionic compound.

Katherine Levy · Answer 2

Magnesium will give its two valence electrons to oxygen and it will have a charge of 2 + (positive). It will also complete its octet, getting balanced.

Oxygen will take two electrons from magnesium getting a charge of 2 - (negative). It will also complete its octet.

When making the formula, the two charges will cancel out each other giving the formula MgO.

It is an ionic bond.