Question

Explain the electrovalency in: (c) Magnesium

Answer 1

Electrovalency:

When an element combines with another element by losing and gaining electrons to form a compound, its valency is called electrovalency.

Electrovalency in Magnesium $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Mg}\mathbf{\right)}$:

1. Magnesium atom $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Mg}\mathbf{\right)}$ has atomic number $12$. Thus, the number of electrons in a Magnesium atom are $12$.
2. The electronic configuration of Magnesium is $(2,8,2)$.
3. In order to acquire eight electrons in the outermost shell i.e. to attain nearest noble gas configuration, Magnesium atom loses $2$ electrons from the outermost shell.
4. This leads to formation of Magnesium ion having two units of positive charges $\left({\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}\right)$.
5. Thus, the electrovalency of Magnesium is $+2$.