Answer to Question #178208 in General Chemistry for Ali Atwi

Question

Application 1

The number of nucleons in magnesium is 24.

The electron configuration of magnesium is: K2 L8 M2.

1.Determine the atomic number of magnesium.

2. Magnesium loses 2 electrons to become an ion.

i, Determine the composition of magnesium ion.

ii. Write the equation of formation of magnesium ion.

iv. Classify magnesium ion according to its charge.

Answer 1

1.) Atomic number of magnesium is 12.

electron configuration of magnesium is: K2 L8 M2

2+8+2 = 12

2.) composition of magnesium ion is Mg²⁺

Mg(s) + 2 H⁺ (aq) $\to$ Mg²⁺ (aq) + H₂ (g)

A magnesium atom must lose two electrons to have the same number electrons as an atom of the previous noble gas, neon. Thus, a magnesium atom will form a cation with two fewer electrons than protons and a charge of 2+. The symbol for the ion is Mg²⁺, and it is called a magnesium ion