Question

What is the molecularity of magnesium oxide; would you expect its melting point to be high?

Answer 1

Magenesium oxide is non-molecular, and held together by strong electrostatic bonds between ions with more than a unit charge.

Explanation:

`Mg^(2+)` and `O^(2-)` are held together in a non-molecular, infinite array, and bound by strong electrostatic forces that operate between oppositely charged ions across the lattice. The melting point of this species would be exceptionally high.