Question

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

Answer 1

It must lose two electrons and become an ion.

Answer 2

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.

$Mg\rightarrow Mg^{2+} +2e^-$