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What must happen to an atom of magnesium in order to become a magnesium ion Mg+2?

User Euthyphro
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It must lose two electrons and become an ion.
User Six Fingered Man
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Answer: Magnesium must lose two electrons to become
Mg^(2+)

Explanation: Magnesium(Mg) ia a metal with atomic number of 12 and atomic mass of 24.

Atomic no = no of electrons = no of protons

Atomic Mass = no. of protons + no. of neutrons

Thus Magnesium in neutral form has got 12 electrons and 12 protons. In order to acquire a charge of +2 it must loose two electrons. Now the no of protons will be greater than no of electrons and thus the atom will acquire positive charge.


Mg\rightarrow Mg^(2+) +2e^-


User Sumeet Jindal
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