Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure of the Mg^{2+} ion?

• A. Mg^{2+} with two dots
• B. Mg^{2+} with six dots
• C. Mg^{2+} with no dots
• D. Mg^{2+} with eight dots

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that Lewis dot structures represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
2. Magnesium (Mg) is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons in its neutral state.
3. When Mg forms a Mg^{2+} ion, it loses 2 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the nearest noble gas (Neon).
4. Since Mg^{2+} has lost its 2 valence electrons, it no longer has any valence electrons to represent as dots in the Lewis structure.
5. Therefore, the Lewis dot structure of Mg^{2+} should show the symbol Mg^{2+} with no dots around it.