because the first ionization energy and the second ionization energy of magnesium is relatively low, which means magnesium could easily lose two electrons.
Two electrons.
Magnesium has two valence electrons in its outer shell and typically loses these electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. By losing two electrons, Magnesium becomes a positively charged ion (Mg²⁺). Therefore, Magnesium wants to lose 2 electrons rather than gain any.
When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positive (Since you're taking away something that is negative). It would not become an ion, it would become a cation.
Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, which means it has 12 electrons. To achieve a noble gas configuration, magnesium would need to lose both of its valence electrons. This can be achieved through chemical reactions, where magnesium can form ionic compounds by transferring its electrons to other elements, such as oxygen or chlorine.
Magnesium and nitrogen would form an ionic compound, specifically magnesium nitride (Mg3N2), due to the transfer of electrons. Magnesium, a metal, tends to lose electrons and form positively charged ions (Mg²⁺), while nitrogen, a nonmetal, gains electrons to form negatively charged ions (N³⁻). This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an ionic bond between the two elements.
Magnesium would lose two electrons when reacting with fluorine to form magnesium fluoride. Magnesium, with two electrons in its outer shell, loses these electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration, while fluorine, needing one electron to complete its octet, gains one electron from magnesium.
It'll have to lose two to have a stable octet.
It is easier for a magnesium atom to lose electrons because it has two electrons in its outer shell, making it more stable to achieve a full outer shell with eight electrons through loss rather than gain.
lose 2
Two electrons.
Magnesium and nitrogen would likely form an ionic bond, resulting in magnesium nitride (Mg3N2). Magnesium, with two electrons in its outer shell, will lose these electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while nitrogen, with five electrons in its outer shell, will gain three electrons to achieve stability. This transfer of electrons creates a bond between the two elements.
Magnesium is in the second group (column) of the periodic table, so it has two valence electrons or electrons in its outer shell. so in order for it to fulfill the octet rule (get eight electrons in its valence shell most of the time), then it would rather lose two electrons and have a full valence shell than gain six electrons.
Magnesium will lose 6 electrons to achieve a stable octet (2 electrons per atom) and become Mg2+, while nitrogen will gain 6 electrons (3 electrons per atom) to form N3-. This results in the formation of Mg3N2 with a 3:2 ratio of magnesium to nitrogen atoms.
It becomes a positive ion. However, energetically it is more favorable for magnesium to lose two electrons. It still becomes a positively charged cation.
Magnesium has a charge of 2+ and oxygen 2- Magnesium will lose the two "extra electrons" in its valence shell when creating an ionic bond with oxygen. The oxygen will gain these two electrons.
Magnesium will lose 2 electrons to have the same electron configuration as Neon. Neon has a full valence shell with 8 electrons, and Magnesium has 2 valence electrons. By losing 2 electrons, Magnesium can achieve a full valence shell and the same electron configuration as Neon.
When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positive (Since you're taking away something that is negative). It would not become an ion, it would become a cation.