# Explain why magnesium oxide is held together by strong electrostatic forces and why these forces act in every direction.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.2.1 Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic · Explain · 4 marks

> Magnesium oxide is an ionic compound formed when magnesium, a Group 2 metal, reacts with oxygen, a Group 6 non-metal.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Magnesium atoms lose two electrons to form Mg²⁺ ions (and oxygen atoms gain two electrons to form O²⁻ ions)
2. The oppositely charged ions (Mg²⁺ and O²⁻) attract each other / electrostatic forces exist between oppositely charged ions
3. Magnesium oxide forms a giant ionic lattice / giant structure of ions
4. Each ion is surrounded by oppositely charged ions in three dimensions, so the electrostatic forces act in every direction

## Key terms

- [electrostatic forces](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electrostatic-forces)
- [ion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ion)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-magnesium-oxide-is-held-48eb760b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.