Multiple Choice
Which element on the periodic table has 20 protons in its nucleus?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Periodic Table: Charges
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What is the typical charge on a magnesium (Mg) ion when it forms an ionic compound?
A
2+
B
1+
C
0
D
2-
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that magnesium (Mg) is an alkaline earth metal located in Group 2 of the periodic table.
Elements in Group 2 typically lose two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the nearest noble gas.
When magnesium loses two electrons, it forms a cation with a charge of +2, denoted as Mg^{2+}.
This positive charge results because the number of protons (positive charges) exceeds the number of electrons (negative charges) by two.
Therefore, the typical charge on a magnesium ion in an ionic compound is 2+.
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