What Ion Is Formed When An Atom Of Magnesium { (Mg)$}$ Loses Two Electrons?A. { Mg^{-1}$}$B. { Mg^{-2}$}$C. { Mg^{+1}$}$D. { Mg^{+2}$}$

Mar 9, 2025 by ADMIN 136 views

What Ion is Formed When an Atom of Magnesium (Mg) Loses Two Electrons?

Understanding the Basics of Ion Formation

When an atom loses or gains electrons, it forms an ion. The type of ion formed depends on the number of electrons lost or gained by the atom. In this case, we are dealing with an atom of magnesium (Mg), which is a metal in Group 2 of the periodic table. Magnesium has two electrons in its outermost energy level, and when it loses these electrons, it forms a positively charged ion.

The Process of Ion Formation

To understand what ion is formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons, let's go through the process step by step. When an atom of magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion. The number of electrons lost by the atom determines the charge on the ion. In this case, since magnesium loses two electrons, the charge on the ion will be +2.

Understanding the Concept of Oxidation Numbers

The charge on an ion is also known as its oxidation number. The oxidation number of an element is a number that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by the element to form an ion. In the case of magnesium, the oxidation number is +2, which means that it loses two electrons to form a positively charged ion.

Analyzing the Options

Now that we have understood the process of ion formation and the concept of oxidation numbers, let's analyze the options given in the question.

Option A: ${$ Mg^{-1}$}$ - This option suggests that the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons has a charge of -1. However, as we have discussed earlier, when magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2, not -1.
Option B: ${$ Mg^{-2}$}$ - This option suggests that the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons has a charge of -2. However, as we have discussed earlier, when magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2, not -2.
Option C: ${$ Mg^{+1}$}$ - This option suggests that the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons has a charge of +1. However, as we have discussed earlier, when magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2, not +1.
Option D: ${$ Mg^{+2}$}$ - This option suggests that the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons has a charge of +2. This is consistent with our earlier discussion, and therefore, this is the correct answer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons, it forms a positively charged ion with a charge of +2. This is represented by the symbol ${$ Mg^+2}$}$. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option D ${$ Mg^{+2$}$.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the oxidation number of magnesium? A: The oxidation number of magnesium is +2.

Q: What happens when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons? A: When an atom of magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2.

Q: What is the symbol of the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons? A: The symbol of the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons is ${$ Mg^{+2}$}$.

Key Takeaways

When an atom loses or gains electrons, it forms an ion.
The type of ion formed depends on the number of electrons lost or gained by the atom.
The charge on an ion is also known as its oxidation number.
The oxidation number of an element is a number that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by the element to form an ion.
When an atom of magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2.

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach by Steven S. Zumdahl
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications by Linus Pauling
Chemistry: The Central Science by Theodore L. Brown

Note: The references provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a comprehensive list of resources on the topic.

Understanding Ion Formation and Magnesium

Ion formation is a fundamental concept in chemistry that deals with the process of an atom losing or gaining electrons to form a charged particle. In this article, we will explore the frequently asked questions related to ion formation and magnesium.

Q&A: Ion Formation and Magnesium

Q: What is ion formation?

A: Ion formation is the process by which an atom loses or gains electrons to form a charged particle. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, and when it gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion.

Q: What happens when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons?

A: When an atom of magnesium loses two electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2. This is represented by the symbol ${$ Mg^{+2}$}$.

Q: What is the oxidation number of magnesium?

A: The oxidation number of magnesium is +2.

Q: What is the symbol of the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons?

A: The symbol of the ion formed when an atom of magnesium loses two electrons is ${$ Mg^{+2}$}$.

Q: Why does magnesium lose two electrons to form a positively charged ion?

A: Magnesium loses two electrons to form a positively charged ion because it has two electrons in its outermost energy level. When these electrons are lost, the atom becomes a positively charged ion with a charge of +2.

Q: What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A: A cation is a positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses electrons, while an anion is a negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains electrons.

Q: What is the charge on a cation?

A: The charge on a cation is positive, and it is determined by the number of electrons lost by the atom.

Q: What is the charge on an anion?

A: The charge on an anion is negative, and it is determined by the number of electrons gained by the atom.

Q: What is the symbol of a cation?

A: The symbol of a cation is represented by the element's symbol with a positive charge, for example, ${$ Mg^{+2}$}$.

Q: What is the symbol of an anion?

A: The symbol of an anion is represented by the element's symbol with a negative charge, for example, ${$ Cl^{-1}$}$.

Q: What is the difference between a monatomic ion and a polyatomic ion?

A: A monatomic ion is a single atom that has lost or gained electrons to form a charged particle, while a polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that have lost or gained electrons to form a charged particle.

Q: What is the charge on a monatomic ion?

A: The charge on a monatomic ion is determined by the number of electrons lost or gained by the atom.

Q: What is the charge on a polyatomic ion?

A: The charge on a polyatomic ion is determined by the number of electrons lost or gained by the group of atoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ion formation is a fundamental concept in chemistry that deals with the process of an atom losing or gaining electrons to form a charged particle. Magnesium is a metal that loses two electrons to form a positively charged ion with a charge of +2. Understanding ion formation and magnesium is essential for understanding various chemical reactions and processes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ion Formation and Magnesium

Q: What is ion formation? A: Ion formation is the process by which an atom loses or gains electrons to form a charged particle.