Chemistry · Periodicity in Elements

Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 protons and, in its neutral state, 12 electrons. When it forms the Mg²⁺ ion, it loses two electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, resulting in 10 electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 10 electrons. The other options are incorrect because they either reflect the electron count of a neutral atom or an incorrect ion state.

12 is the number of electrons in a neutral magnesium atom, not in the Mg²⁺ ion.

Correct! Magnesium loses 2 electrons to form the Mg²⁺ ion, resulting in 10 electrons.

14 electrons would indicate an ion with more electrons than a neutral magnesium atom, which is incorrect.

24 electrons far exceed the electron count of a neutral or ionized magnesium atom.