When a highly reactive metal, such as magnesium (Mg), is mixed with a reactive nonmetal such as sulfur (S), the two elements will most likely combine to form a new substance, magnesium sulfide (MgS).

Question

Based on the trends of the periodic table, which other element is likely to combine with magnesium?
A.
helium (He)
B.
gold (Au)
C.
oxygen (O)
D.
sodium (Na)

Answer 1

Based on the trends of the periodic table, the most likely element to combine with magnesium (Mg) from the options provided is:

C. oxygen (O)

Magnesium is a highly reactive metal and oxygen is a reactive nonmetal, and when they combine, they typically form magnesium oxide (MgO). Helium (He) is a noble gas and does not react, gold (Au) is a metal that does not readily react with magnesium, and sodium (Na), while a reactive metal, would not typically combine directly with magnesium but could form a different compound. Therefore, the best answer is oxygen (O).