Magnesium has 2 valence electrons, and oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Which type of bonding is likely to occur between a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom?

Question

sunnnystrong · Answer

An ionic bond will form between Mg and O. Looking at the electro negativity values, we can see that oxygen is much more electronegative than oxygen and therefor will steal two electrons from Mg to complete a stable octlet. 

The actual chemical reaction that occurs is
2 Mg(s) + 1 O(g) --> 2MgO (s)

welshfella · Answer

that should be 1 O2(g)

sweetburger · Answer

This is the third time ive seen this question this week...

sunnnystrong · Answer

@welshfella thanks for the clarification. it should be an o2 because it is in the gaseous  state