Ionic bonding in magnesium oxide
3 marks · EasyFor the ionic compound magnesium oxide (MgO):
State the charge of a magnesium ion.
What is the charge on an oxide ion?
Name the type of ion formed by magnesium.
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(a) +2 or 2+
(b) -2 or 2-
(c) Cation
Common mistakes: Assigning incorrect charges or ion types
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States charge of magnesium ion as +2, 2+, or Mg^{2+}.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States charge of oxide ion as -2, 2-, or O^{2-}.
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Names the type of ion formed by magnesium as a cation.
Worked solution
a) The magnesium ion has a charge of +2 (Mg^{2+}).
b) The oxide ion has a charge of -2 (O^{2-}).
c) Magnesium forms a cation.