Question

What’s an ionic compound for magnesium and oxide?

Answer 1

Answer: The chemical formula for the ionic compound formed will be $MgO$

Explanation:

Magnesium is the 12th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of $[Ne]3s^{2}$

This element will loose 2 electrons and thus shows an oxidation state of +2 units.

Oxygen is the 8th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of $[He]2s^22p^4$

This element requires 2 electrons and thus shows an oxidation state of -2 units.

By criss-cross method, the oxidation state of the ions gets exchanged and hence, they form the subscripts of the opposite ion. This results in the formation of a neutral compound.

Thus, the chemical formula for the ionic compound will be $MgO$

Answer 2

MgO
${Mg}^{ + 2} \: and \: {O}^{ - 2} \\ form \: MgO$