Question

Show the formation of:

(a) MgO

(b) Na₂O by the transfer of electrons.

Answer 1

(a) Magnesium loses two electrons to attain a noble gas configuration, whereas oxygen gains two electrons to completely fill the valence shell. 

Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e^– 

O + 2^e– 1→ O²–

(b) Sodium loses one electron to have a completely filled valence shell, whereas oxygen gains two electrons to complete the valence shell.

Na → Na⁺ + e^– 

O + 2e^– → O^2–