Ionic bonding in magnesium oxide
2 marks · NormalState the charge that a magnesium ion and an oxide ion have in magnesium oxide. Give both ion symbols.
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Mg^{2+} and O^{2-}
Also accept: Mg2+ and O2-; Mg^{2+} ion and O^{2-} ion
Common mistakes: Mg+ or O-
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States correct symbol and charge for Mg ion (Mg2+ or Mg^{2+})
B2 · 1 mark · States correct symbol and charge for O ion (O2- or O^{2-})
Worked solution
A magnesium atom loses 2 electrons to form a Mg^{2+} ion.
An oxygen atom gains 2 electrons to form an O^{2-} ion.
The charges are Mg^{2+} and O^{2-}.