Question

Using the electronic configuration, explain how Mg atom combines with oxygen to form magnesium oxide by transfer of electrons.

[Atomic number: Mg = 12, O = 8]

Answer 1

Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number (Z) = 12. The electronic configuration of Magnesium is 2, 8, 2, so it loses two electrons to attain a stable octet and forms Mg²⁺.

Oxygen (O) has an atomic number (Z) = 8. The electronic configuration of oxygen is  2, 6, so it gains two electrons to complete its octet and forms O²⁻.

Thus, Mg transfers its two electrons to O, forming an ionic bond and producing magnesium oxide (MgO).