Show the formation of:

(a) MgO


(b) Na2O by the transfer of electrons.

(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 + 2e- 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- O2-



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