Does magnesium (Mg) lose or gain electrons?
Understand the Problem
The question asks whether magnesium (Mg) loses or gains electrons, which relates to its behavior in chemical reactions, particularly in the formation of ions. Magnesium typically loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Answer
Magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons.
The final answer is that magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons.
More Information
Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2 of the periodic table, which means it has two electrons in its outermost shell. Losing these electrons allows it to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the noble gas neon.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming magnesium might gain electrons to achieve stability, but elements in Group 2 typically lose two electrons.
Sources
- To form a stable ion, will magnesium gain or lose electrons? - homework.study.com
- Q: Does magnesium gain or lose electrons when reacting? - ck12.org
- Why does magnesium for Mg^(2+) cations and not Mg^(6-) anions? - socratic.org
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