Question

Magnesium atom has 2 valence electrons in its third shell.

Which is a TRUE statement about what happens when it forms an ion?
A. It will be an anion.
B. It will have more electrons than protons.
C. It will gain 2 electrons in order to become stable.
D. It will lose 2 electrons in order to become stable.

Answer 1

D. It will lose 2 electrons in order to become stable.

Step-by-step explanation:

It will lose 2 electrons in order to become a stable element or to attain the octet electronic configuration which makes it stable

Answer 2

D. It will lose two electrons in order to become stable

Step-by-step explanation:

Magnesium has two electrons in its valence shell and since it needs to acquire am correct shell, it's easier and faster to lose two electrons than gain six more electrons. Magnesium needs to lose electrons during chemical reaction for bonding to take place while forming an intermediate Mg²+ ion.

NB: all elements of group 2 elements lose their two valence electrons in their outer shell to form chemical bond during chemical reactions