* One magnesium ion (Mg²⁺)
* One oxide ion (O²⁻)
Let me explain:
* Magnesium (Mg) is a metal that readily loses two electrons to form a positively charged ion, Mg²⁺.
* Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal that readily gains two electrons to form a negatively charged ion, O²⁻.
These oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming an ionic bond and creating the compound MgO.