Magnesium has 2 valence electrons, and oxygen has 6 valence electrons. which type of bonding is likely to occur between a magnesium atom and an oxygen atom?ionic—magnesium will give 2 electrons to oxygen, and both will become ions.ionic—oxygen will give 2 electrons to magnesium, and both will become ions.metallic—oxygen and magnesium atoms will be surrounded by a pool of electrons.