Part 1: Electron Shell Stability

Use the octet rule: atoms usually gain, lose or share electrons to achieve a stable outer shell of eight electrons.

Part 2: Electron Transfer and Ionic Charges

Complete each question. Remember that electrons have a negative charge.

a) Magnesium loses two electrons, so it forms a __________ ion with a charge of __________.

b) Oxygen gains two electrons, so it forms a __________ ion with a charge of __________.

c) A positive ion is called a __________, while a negative ion is called an __________.

Part 3: Applying the Octet Rule

a) Na → Na^__________ + __________ electron

b) Cl + __________ electron → Cl^__________

c) Mg → Mg^__________ + __________ electrons