Ionic bonding in magnesium oxide
3 marks · EasyThis question is about the ionic bonding in magnesium oxide.
Describe what happens to the electrons when magnesium and oxygen react to form magnesium oxide.
Explain why there are strong forces of attraction between the ions in magnesium oxide.
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(a) Magnesium atom loses 2 electrons, oxygen atom gains 2 electrons. Electrons are transferred from magnesium to oxygen. · must show Mg loses 2 electrons, O gains 2 electrons, electrons transferred from Mg to O
(b) Because opposite charges attract; strong electrostatic forces between Mg^{2+} and O^{2-} ions. · must show reference to strong electrostatic forces/attraction between oppositely charged ions
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Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · States magnesium loses two electrons; oxygen gains two electrons.
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Mentions the electrons are transferred from Mg to O (or equivalent).
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions as the reason for strong forces.
Worked solution
a) Magnesium atom loses 2 electrons, which are transferred to the oxygen atom. The oxygen atom gains these 2 electrons to become an O^{2-} ion; magnesium becomes Mg^{2+}.
b) There are strong electrostatic attractions between the oppositely charged Mg^{2+} and O^{2-} ions.