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To become an ion, an atom of magnesium (or anything else) will gain or lose one or more electrons. This will create an imbalance between the number of protons in its nucleus and the number of electrons it is "holding onto" in the electron cloud.

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What happens when a magnesium atom loses an atom in its outer energy shell?

When a magnesium atom loses an electron from its outer energy shell, it forms a positively charged magnesium ion (Mg2+). This ion has a stable electron configuration by achieving a full outer energy level, which is characteristic of noble gases. Magnesium usually loses its two outermost electrons to form this stable ion.


What happens when a magnesium atom loses an electron?

It becomes a positively charged Magnesium ion.


What happens when magnesium forms it's ion?

it loses 2 electrons


Is magnesium an ion or an atom?

Magnesium is an atom; but this atom can be transformed in an electrically charged atom - called cation, Mg2+.


A magnesium ion differs from a magnesium atom because 1. two fewer neutrons. 2. one fewer electron. 3. one more electron. 4. two fewer electrons.?

A magnesium ion differs from a magnesium atom because it has two fewer electrons. When a magnesium atom loses two electrons, it forms a magnesium ion with a 2+ charge.


What happens when a magnesium atom loses an election in its outer energy shell?

When a magnesium atom loses an electron in its outer energy shell, it forms a positively charged magnesium ion (Mg2+). This ion has a stable electron configuration similar to that of a noble gas, which makes it more chemically reactive.


What is the charge of magnesium when it forms an ion?

Magnesium as an atom has two valance electrons. To complete it's octet, it must lose two electrons. Losing two electrons will make Mg have 12 protons and 10 electrons therefore having a +2 charge.


What happens when magnesium atom loses an electron in its outer energy cell?

it becomes a positive ion. apex


Is magnesium an ion?

Magnesium is an atom; but this atom can be transformed in an electrically charged atom - called cation, Mg2+.


What is the equation for magnesium atom to magnesium ion?

The equation for the formation of a magnesium ion from a magnesium atom involves the loss of two electrons. It can be written as: Mg (s) -> Mg2+ (aq) + 2e-


Magnesium atomic number 12 forms a magnesium ion that may be represented as?

Magnesium ion (Mg2+) has a 2+ charge, meaning it has lost two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to a noble gas. It forms when magnesium atom (with atomic number 12) loses two electrons.


What happens when a atom forms an ion?

The atom had either lost or gained one or more electrons forming and ion. Thus the ion has an overall electric charge.