Which of the following represents the correct Lewis dot structure for a neutral magnesium (Mg) atom?

• A. Mg with two dots on one side
• B. Mg with eight dots surrounding it
• C. Mg with one dot on each side (total of four dots)
• D. Mg with no dots

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that Lewis dot structures represent the valence electrons of an atom as dots placed around the element's symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for magnesium (Mg). Magnesium is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons.
3. Place the two valence electrons as dots around the Mg symbol. According to Lewis structure conventions, these dots are usually placed one at a time on each side before pairing up.
4. Since Mg has only 2 valence electrons, place two dots on one side of the Mg symbol to represent these electrons.
5. Verify that the structure represents a neutral atom by ensuring the number of dots equals the number of valence electrons and no charges are shown.