Question
Q2. Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. Describe, in terms of electron transfer, how ionic bonds form between magnesium and oxygen atoms. You may use a dot-and-cross diagram. (4 marks)
Mark scheme (any 4):
- Magnesium atom has electron configuration 2,8,2 (1)
- Mg loses 2 electrons to form Mg²⁺ (1)
- Oxygen atom has 2,6 / gains 2 electrons to form O²⁻ (1)
- Both ions achieve a full/stable outer shell (noble gas configuration) (1)
- Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions / forms a giant ionic lattice (1)
Max 4. Award correct dot-and-cross diagram showing transfer = 2 marks if no written description.
4 marks · take your time before peeking.
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Generated by TopMyGrade AI · cross-check official sources before relying on the mark-scheme phrasing.