S + 2e⁻ → S²⁻ (sulfur will gain electrons)
Mg - 2e⁻ → Mg²⁺ (magnesium will lose electrons)
Magnesium is a metal which tends to give electrons which are received by the sulfur, which is a nonmetal and tends to gain electrons.
Answer: The atom which gains electrons is sulfur
Explanation:
Oxidation reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.
[tex]X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-[/tex]
Reduction reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.
[tex]X^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow X[/tex]
For the given chemical equation:
[tex]Mg+S\rightarrow MgS[/tex]
Oxidation half reaction: [tex]Mg\rightarrow Mg^{2+}+2e^-[/tex]
Reduction half reaction: [tex]S+2e6-\rightarrow S^{2-}[/tex]
Hence, the atom which gains electrons is sulfur
