When magnesium reacts with oxygen, the magnesium atom transfers its two outermost electrons to an oxygen atom. By losing two electrons, the magnesium atoms form a magnesium ion (Mg2+) and by gaining two electrons, the oxygen atom forms an oxide ion (O2-).
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Answer:
MgO constituits of Mg and O
Electronic confi ⇒ Mg (12) = 2,8,2
Electronic confi ⇒ O (8) = 2,6
We know that Mg contains 2 valence electrons wheras O contains 6 valence electrons.
⇒ By losing 2 electrons Mg can attain the nobel gas configuration of Neon to become Mg2+ cation.
⇒ Oxygen accepts the 2 electrons given by Mg and thus attain the nobel gas configuration of Neon ( Ne ) to become a O2- anion
⇒ These two ions, Mg2+ and O2- combine to form an ionic crystal in which they are held together by electrostatic force of attraction.
Thus MgO forms an ionic bond .
When magnesium reacts with oxygen, the magnesium atom transfers its two outermost electrons to an oxygen atom. By losing two electrons, the magnesium atoms form a magnesium ion (Mg2+) and by gaining two electrons, the oxygen atom forms an oxide ion (O2-).