Question

Show the formation of MgO by the transfer of electrons.

Answer 1

Magnesium is a metal, whereas oxygen is a non-metal. Magnesium metal burns in oxygen to form an ionic compound, magnesium oxide.

Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, resulting in an electronic configuration of 2, 8, 2. The magnesium atom possesses two electrons in its valence shell. The magnesium atom contributes its two valence electrons to an oxygen atom, resulting in a stable magnesium ion, Mg²⁺, with an electron configuration analogous to that of neon.

The atomic number of oxygen is 8; hence, its electronic configuration is 2, 6. The oxygen atom has 6 electrons in its valence shell, requiring 2 more to attain the stable octet configuration characteristic of an inert gas. Consequently, an oxygen atom gains 2 electrons (donated by a magnesium atom) and forms a stable oxide ion, O²⁻, with the electron configuration of a neon atom.

During the reaction between magnesium and oxygen, the magnesium atom donates its two valence electrons to an oxygen atom. Through the loss of 2 electrons, the magnesium atom generates a magnesium ion (Mg²⁺), while the acquisition of 2 electrons by the oxygen atom results in the formation of an oxide ion (O²⁻).