Multiple Choice
Which of the following actions would convert a carbide ion (C^{4-}) into a neutral carbon atom?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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What ion is formed when an atom of magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons?
A
Mg^{2-}
B
Mg^{2+}
C
Mg^{+}
D
Mg^{-}
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion called a cation.
Recall that magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 protons and, in its neutral state, 12 electrons.
If magnesium loses two electrons, the number of electrons becomes 10, while the number of protons remains 12.
The charge of the ion is calculated as the number of protons minus the number of electrons: $12 - 10 = +2$.
Therefore, the ion formed is written as $Mg^{2+}$, indicating a magnesium ion with a +2 charge.
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