Question

What occurs when a magnesium atom becomes a

magnesium ion?
A. Electrons are gained and the oxidation number
increases.
B. Electrons are gained and the oxidation number
decreases.
C.
Electrons are lost and the oxidation number
increases.
D.
Electrons are lost and the oxidation number
decreases.

Answer 1

Answer: C

Step-by-step explanation:

Because magnesium is a metal, we know that it loses electrons to obtain a stable electron configuration (meaning that when the atom becomes an ion, electrons are lost).

When electrons are lost, since they are negatively charged, the overall charge, and thus the oxidation number, increases.