Ionic Bond Chemistry Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Show how magnesium and oxygen form an ionic bond in MgO\text{MgO}.

Solution

  1. 1
    Mg (Group 2) has 2 valence electrons. It loses both to form Mg2+\text{Mg}^{2+}.
  2. 2
    O (Group 16) has 6 valence electrons. It gains 2 electrons to form O2−\text{O}^{2-}.
  3. 3
    The electrostatic attraction between Mg2+\text{Mg}^{2+} and O2−\text{O}^{2-} forms the ionic bond in MgO.

Answer

Mg→Mg2++2e−;O+2e−→O2−\text{Mg} \rightarrow \text{Mg}^{2+} + 2e^-;\quad \text{O} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{O}^{2-}
Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from a metal to a nonmetal, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other. The ratio of ions ensures overall electrical neutrality.

About Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, created when one atom transfers one or more electrons to another atom.

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More Ionic Bond Examples

Example 2 medium

Predict the formula of the ionic compound formed between aluminum and oxygen.

Example 3 easy

Write the formula for the ionic compound formed by lithium and fluorine.

Example 4 medium

Describe how magnesium and oxygen form an ionic bond in magnesium oxide ([formula]).

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