Question

which of the following will pair with a group 6 non - metal, such as oxygen (o), in a 1:1 ratio, based on trends in valence electrons?
magnesium (mg)
sodium (na)
nitrogen (n)
sulfur (s)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons of oxygen

Oxygen is in group 6, so it has 6 valence electrons. It needs 2 more electrons to achieve a stable octet.

Step2: Analyze valence electrons of each option

• Magnesium (Mg) is in group 2, has 2 valence electrons. It can lose 2 electrons.
• Sodium (Na) is in group 1, has 1 valence electron. It can lose 1 electron.
• Nitrogen (N) is in group 5, has 5 valence electrons.
• Sulfur (S) is in group 6, has 6 valence electrons.

Step3: Find the element for 1:1 ratio

Magnesium can lose 2 electrons and oxygen can gain 2 electrons to form a compound in a 1:1 ratio.

Answer:

magnesium (Mg)