What is the chemical formula for magnesium sulfide?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: The chemical formula for magnesium sulfide is MgS.
Explanation:
Magnesium sulfide is an ionic compound formed from magnesium and sulfur. To understand how this formula is derived, it is important to look at the nature of the elements involved and how they bond together.
Magnesium is a metal found in Group 2 of the periodic table. This means it has two electrons in its outermost energy level. In chemical reactions, magnesium tends to lose these two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration like that of a noble gas. When magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, known as a magnesium ion (Mg²⁺).
Sulfur, on the other hand, is a nonmetal found in Group 16 of the periodic table. It has six electrons in its outer shell and needs two more electrons to complete the octet, or to have a full outer energy level. Sulfur tends to gain two electrons to achieve a stable configuration, becoming a negatively charged ion, known as a sulfide ion (S²⁻).
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. In this case, one Mg²⁺ ion (with a +2 charge) combines with one S²⁻ ion (with a −2 charge). The charges cancel each other out, resulting in a compound that has no overall charge. Since only one ion of each type is needed for balance, the formula becomes MgS.
Magnesium sulfide is a crystalline solid that appears white or gray. It is often formed when magnesium metal reacts directly with sulfur or when magnesium burns in air, which contains sulfur compounds. MgS is used in various industrial applications, including ceramics and as a source of sulfur in chemical reactions.