MgO and NaCl has similar structure. In MgO magnesiuem is surrounded by how many oxygen atoms

Options

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 1

Answer

To determine how many oxygen atoms surround a magnesium atom in magnesium oxide (MgO), we can analyze the structure of MgO and compare it to the structure of sodium chloride (NaCl).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of NaCl:**
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice structure.
- In this structure, each sodium ion (Na⁺) is surrounded by six chloride ions (Cl⁻). This is known as an octahedral arrangement.

2. **Applying the Same Concept to MgO:**
- Magnesium oxide (MgO) also adopts a similar structure to NaCl.
- In MgO, the magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) is surrounded by oxide ions (O²⁻) in a similar octahedral arrangement.

3. **Counting the Surrounding Atoms:**
- Since MgO has the same stoichiometry as NaCl (1:1 ratio of cation to anion), the magnesium ion will also be surrounded by six oxide ions.
- Therefore, in MgO, each magnesium atom is surrounded by **six oxygen atoms**.

4. **Conclusion:**
- The final answer is that in magnesium oxide (MgO), the magnesium ion is surrounded by **6 oxygen atoms**.

### Final Answer:
In MgO, magnesium is surrounded by **6 oxygen atoms**.