Question

How many electrons does a magnesium atom lose when it reacts with an oxygen atom?

A. 3
B. 2
C. 1
D.4

Answer 1

The answer to your question is: B. 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Magnesium is located in group IIA, that means that it has 2 electrons in its outermost shell, and these are the electrons that it can lose to become stable.

Oxygen is located in group VI A, that means that it has 6 electrons in its outermost shell and needs to electrons to become stable.

Mg⁺² + O₂²⁻ ⇒ MgO