Question

Find the number of electrons lost by magnesium atom to form magnesium chloride?

• A. 2

Answer 1

The correct option is A 2
Magnesium has two electrons in the outermost shell. It attains the nearest noble gas electronic configuration by losing them.

So, the magnesium atom form ${\text{Mg}}^2+$ ion.

Chlorine has seven electrons in the outermost shell. It attains the nearest noble gas electronic configuration by gaining one electron and form ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\mathrm{ions.}$

During the formation of magnesium chloride, the magnesium atom gives it's two electrons to two chlorine atoms to form ${\mathrm{MgCl}}_{2.}$