Multiple Choice
Magnesium has an atomic number of 12. What is the most stable charge for a magnesium ion?
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which ion is formed when an atom of mercury (Hg) loses two electrons?
A
Hg^{+}
B
Hg^{-2}
C
Hg^{-1}
D
Hg^{2+}
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when an atom loses electrons, it forms a positively charged ion called a cation.
Identify the number of electrons lost by the mercury (Hg) atom, which is two in this case.
Since each electron carries a charge of -1, losing two electrons results in a charge of +2 on the ion.
Write the ion symbol by placing the charge as a superscript after the element symbol: $Hg^{2+}$.
Recognize that the correct ion formed when mercury loses two electrons is $Hg^{2+}$, not $Hg^{+}$, $Hg^{-1}$, or $Hg^{-2}$.
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