What occurs when a magnesium atom becomes a magnesium ion?

• A. It loses two electrons to form ${\mathrm{Mg}}^2$.
• B. It loses one electron to form ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{+}$.
• C. It gains two electrons to form ${\mathrm{Mg}}^2$.
• D. It gains one electron to form ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{-}$.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms become ions by either losing or gaining electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
2. Recall that magnesium (Mg) is an element in Group 2 of the periodic table, which means it has 2 electrons in its outermost shell (valence electrons).
3. Since magnesium is a metal, it tends to lose electrons rather than gain them to achieve stability.
4. When magnesium loses its 2 valence electrons, it forms a positively charged ion with a charge of +2, written as \(Mg^{2+}\).
5. Therefore, the process involves magnesium losing two electrons to form the \(Mg^{2+}\) ion.