Question 1
Question detail
Explain how the ionic bond between magnesium and oxygen is formed.
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At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
Explain how the ionic bond between magnesium and oxygen is formed.
Answer
The ionic bond between magnesium and oxygen is formed when magnesium loses two electrons to become Mg²⁺ and oxygen gains those two electrons to become O²⁻. The electrostatic attraction between Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ results in the formation of an ionic bond.
Explanation
This answer clearly outlines the process of electron transfer and the resulting charges of the ions involved, demonstrating a solid understanding of ionic bonding. It tests the student's ability to apply their knowledge of ionic bonds in a specific example.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Ionic Bonding
Students often confuse ionic bonding with covalent bonding, thinking that ionic bonds involve shared electrons instead of electrostatic attraction.
Ionic bonding is defined as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. To clarify, remember that in ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) loses an electron to become Na⁺, while chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become Cl⁻. The attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ forms the ionic bond.
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