Respuesta :
magnesium has its symbol as Mg²⁺ meaning that it loses 2 electrons to gain an octet structure from 2,8,2 to 2,8 like this Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⇒ Mg
Answer:
By losing two electrons
Explanation:
Magnesium belong to alkali earth metals (Group II) (s-Block) in periodic table with electronic configuration as given below,
Mg = 1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s²
As shown above Mg contains two electrons in its valence shell. Hence, in order to react and attain noble gas configuration Mg must loose two electrons as follow,
Mg → Mg⁺² + 2 e⁻
Note that after loosing two electrons the electronic configuration becomes as follow,
Mg⁺² = 1s², 2s², 2p⁶ or [Ne]
Hence, in order to satisfy the octet rule (presence of eight electrons in valence shell) Mg must donate or loose two electrons because it is far more difficult to gain 6 electrons to complete octet of third shell respectively.