Magnesium has 2 valence electrons, and oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Which type of bonding is likely to occur between a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom?

1. Ionic—Magnesium will give 2 electrons to oxygen, and both will become ions.

2. Ionic—Oxygen will give 2 electrons to magnesium, and both will become ions.

3. Metallic—Oxygen and magnesium atoms will be surrounded by a pool of electrons.

Respuesta :

2. Ionic-Oxygen will give 2 electrons to magnesium, and both will become ions. 
The correct response would be 1. Ionic - magnesium will give 2 electrons to oxygen, and both will become ions, and then form an ionic bond due to the electrostatic attractions of the complete ionic charges.