Quick Answer: The Formation of Magnesium Oxide Ion Model shows a magnesium atom passing two electrons to an oxygen atom, forming Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions that combine in a 1:1 ratio as MgO.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Demonstrates the transfer of two electrons from magnesium to oxygen
Represents the Mg²⁺ cation and the O²⁻ anion
Shows the 1:1 charge balance behind the formula MgO
Supports teaching of electrostatic attraction in ionic bonding
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Subject area
Ionic bonding and ion formation
Ions represented
Mg²⁺ and O²⁻
Chemical formula represented
MgO
About This Product
Teachers locate the two outer electrons on the magnesium atom and demonstrate their transfer to oxygen, so that magnesium becomes a cation and oxygen an oxide anion. Bringing the two ions together shows why equal and opposite charges give the empirical formula MgO. The model supports lessons on valence electrons, charge balance and formula writing, and can be compared with the Formula Finder Kit and Structure and Bonding Kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is the formula of magnesium oxide MgO? Magnesium loses two electrons and oxygen gains two, so the ions carry equal and opposite charges. These charges balance in a 1:1 ratio, giving the formula MgO.
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