Questions: Write the electron configuration for a magnesium cation with a charge of +2.

Transcript text: Write the electron configuration for a magnesium cation with a charge of +2.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Determine the Atomic Number of Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12, which means it has 12 electrons in its neutral state.

Step 2: Write the Electron Configuration for Neutral Magnesium

The electron configuration for a neutral magnesium atom is determined by filling the electron orbitals in order of increasing energy. The configuration is: \[ 1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^6 \, 3s^2 \]

Step 3: Account for the +2 Charge

A magnesium cation with a charge of +2 (Mg\(^{2+}\)) has lost two electrons. These electrons are removed from the outermost shell, which is the 3s orbital in this case. Therefore, the electron configuration for Mg\(^{2+}\) is: \[ 1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^6 \]

Final Answer

The electron configuration for a magnesium cation with a charge of +2 is: \[ \boxed{1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^6} \]

Was this solution helpful?

Unhelpful

Helpful

Questions asked by other users

< Previous Next >