What is the formula of magnesium oxide?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the formula of magnesium oxide?

Explanation:
Balancing charges in ionic compounds is what determines the formula. Magnesium forms a 2+ ion and oxide forms a 2− ion. To make a neutral compound, the charges must cancel, so you combine equal numbers of each ion. That gives a 1:1 ratio of Mg2+ to O2−, resulting in MgO. The other options would imply incorrect charge balance or just the elemental metal, which isn’t an oxide. So the formula is MgO.

Balancing charges in ionic compounds is what determines the formula. Magnesium forms a 2+ ion and oxide forms a 2− ion. To make a neutral compound, the charges must cancel, so you combine equal numbers of each ion. That gives a 1:1 ratio of Mg2+ to O2−, resulting in MgO. The other options would imply incorrect charge balance or just the elemental metal, which isn’t an oxide. So the formula is MgO.

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