Final answer:
The magnesium ion has a charge of Mg2+, denoting that it has lost two electrons, resulting in a double positive charge. This stable ionic charge is common in magnesium's interactions, such as in the compound MgCl2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The charge of a magnesium ion is Mg2+.Magnesium (Mg) is a group 2 element, and in forming ions, it typically loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron arrangement. When it loses these electrons, it becomes a cation with a net positive charge of +2. This is because it now has fewer electrons (which are negatively charged) than protons (which are positively charged). Therefore, the symbol for a magnesium cation is written as Mg2+ or simply Mg++, indicating that it has lost two electrons and has a double positive charge.
This divalent state is consistent for all magnesium ions in compounds, such as MgCl2, where the magnesium's oxidation number is also +2.The charge of a magnesium ion is +2.The charge on monoatomic ions is determined by the number of electrons donated or accepted. Magnesium, as a cation, donates two electrons, resulting in a net charge of +2. Therefore, the ionic form of magnesium is typically represented as Mg²+.