Question

the simple model below is a neutral magnesium (mg) atom with the element’s most common mass number. what must happen to an atom of magnesium in order to become a magnesium ion mg⁺²? it must lose two neutrons and become a different isotope. it must gain two neutrons and become a different isotope. it must lose two electrons and become an ion. it must gain two electrons and become an ion.

Explanation:

To determine how a magnesium atom becomes \( \text{Mg}^{+2} \), we analyze ion formation:

• Ions form by gaining/losing electrons (neutrons affect isotopes, not charge).
• A \( +2 \) charge means the ion has 2 more protons than electrons (since protons are positive). A neutral Mg atom has equal protons and electrons. To get \( \text{Mg}^{+2} \), it must lose 2 electrons (reducing negative charge, making the ion positive).

Answer:

It must lose two electrons and become an ion.