answersLogoWhite

0

Magnesium has two outer shell electrons which are loosely held. This is not a stable configuration. As a result magnesium will lose those two electrons, making the electron shell below that, which has 8 electrons, the new outer shell. An electron shel with 8 electrons is stable.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

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+.


Explain How do the atom of magnesium and chlorine form ions?

A magnesium atom will lose two electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, forming a Mg2+ ion. A chlorine atom will gain one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration, forming a Cl- ion. When magnesium and chlorine react, magnesium will transfer electrons to chlorine, resulting in the formation of the ionic compound magnesium chloride.


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-


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 does the charge on the magnesium ion have to do with the number of valence electrons that an atom of magnesium has?

The charge on a magnesium ion is determined by the number of electrons it gains or loses to achieve a stable electron configuration. Magnesium, with 12 protons, typically loses 2 valence electrons to form a 2+ charged ion. This loss of electrons allows the magnesium ion to achieve a full outer electron shell, which is more stable.


A magnesium atom is converted to a magnesium ion when the atom?

Loses two electrons.


How a magnesium atom becomes an ion?

It loses an electron.


What is the first electron affinity of magnesium and is it exothermic or endothermic?

The first electron affinity of magnesium is exothermic. This means that energy is released when a neutral magnesium atom gains an electron to form a magnesium ion.


How many protons are there in the nucleus of a magnesium ion?

Any atom of magnesium will have 12 protons.Neutral atoms of Mg-24 will have 12 neutrons and 12 electrons. Mg-25 has 13 neutrons and Mg-26 has 14 neutrons. A magnesium ion will have either 10 or 11 electrons.


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.