Question

Is magnesium a metal or a nonmetal? How many valence electrons does a magnesium atom have?

Answer 1

Magnesium is classified as a metal. Magnesium has two valence electrons

Answer 2

Answer: The given element is a metal and the number of valence electrons are 2

Explanation:

There are 2 types of elements in the periodic table:

• Metals are the elements which have a tendency to loose electrons and thus they form cations. For Example: Sodium will loose 1 electron to form $Na^+$ ion.
• Non-metals are the elements which have a tendency to gain electrons and thus they form anions. For Example: Chlorine will gain 1 electron to form $Cl^-$ ion.

Valence electrons are defined as the electrons which are present in the outermost shell of an atom. Outermost shell has the highest value of 'n' that is principal quantum number.

We are given:

Magnesium is the 12th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of $1s^22s^22p^63s^2$

This element will loose 2 electrons to form $Mg^{2+}$ ion

Number of valence electron in magnesium element = 2

Hence, the given element is a metal and the number of valence electrons are 2