What is the charge of the ion formed by magnesium?

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Let's restate the question and the available choices to set the context.
Question: What is the charge of the ion formed by magnesium?
Options: +1, +2, +3, -2
Now, examine each option:
Option +1: This would mean magnesium loses one electron to form Mg+. However, magnesium has two valence electrons in its outer shell that are relatively easy to remove, and the common ionic state for magnesium involves removing two electrons. A +1 charge would imply only one electron was removed, which is not the typical stable ion for magnesium.
Option +2: This corresponds to Mg2+, which results when magnesium loses two electrons to attain a more stable electron configuration like the noble gas neon. This is the standard and most stable ionic form for magnesium in compounds, reflecting its Group 2 (alkaline earth metal) behavior.
Option +3: A +3 charge would require removing three electrons, which is energetically unfavorable for magnesium given its electron configuration and would not align with its known chemistry as a Group 2 element that commonly forms divalent cations.
Option -2: A -2 charge would indicate an anion, where magnesium gained two electrons. In its neutral state, magnesium does not readily gain electrons to form an anion; instead, it loses electrons to become a cation.
Putting the pieces together, the observed and most stabilized ionic form for magnesium in compounds aligns with losing two electrons, yielding a +2 charge. This aligns with periodic trends for Group 2 elements and their common oxidation state. The other options conflict with magnesium’s typical electron-loss behavior and resultant ionic charges, either by proposing fewer or more electrons removed or by suggesting electron gain leading to an anion rather than a cation.

What is the charge of the ion formed by magnesium?

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