Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot symbol for a neutral atom of Mg?

• A. Mg with two dots
• B. Mg with eight dots
• C. Mg with no dots
• D. Mg with six dots

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an atom, which are the electrons in the outermost shell.
2. Determine the group number of magnesium (Mg) in the periodic table. Magnesium is in Group 2, which means it has 2 valence electrons.
3. Draw the symbol for magnesium (Mg) and place dots around it to represent its valence electrons. Each dot corresponds to one valence electron.
4. Since Mg has 2 valence electrons, place two dots around the symbol Mg. The dots are usually placed one on each side before pairing.
5. Verify that the Lewis dot symbol correctly shows the number of valence electrons for a neutral Mg atom, which should be two dots around Mg.