Electron Configuration and Stability of Magnesium

This video tutorial explains how to write the electron configuration for magnesium (Mg) and its ion Mg2+. It begins by discussing the neutral magnesium atom, detailing how to find its electron configuration using the periodic table. The tutorial then transitions to the Mg2+ ion, explaining the loss of two electrons and how this results in a stable electron configuration similar to neon. The video emphasizes understanding the organization of the periodic table and the significance of electron configurations in determining element stability.

What is the first step in determining the electron configuration of Mg2+?

• Directly remove two electrons from magnesium.

• Find the electron configuration of neon.

• Find the electron configuration of neutral magnesium.

• Add two electrons to magnesium.

How many protons and electrons does neutral magnesium have?

• 14 protons and 12 electrons

• 12 protons and 10 electrons

• 10 protons and 12 electrons

• 12 protons and 12 electrons

Which orbital do we start with when writing the electron configuration for magnesium?

• 2p

• 2s

• 3s

• 1s

How many electrons can the 2p orbital hold?

• 6

• 4

• 8

• 2

What is the electron configuration for neutral magnesium?

• 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2

• 1s2 2s2 2p6

• 1s2 2s2 3s2

• 1s2 2p6 3s2

What happens to the electron configuration when magnesium becomes Mg2+?

• Two electrons are removed from the 2p orbital.

• Two electrons are added to the 3s orbital.

• Two electrons are removed from the 3s orbital.

• Two electrons are added to the 2p orbital.

What is the electron configuration of Mg2+?

• 1s2 2s2 2p6

• 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2

• 1s2 2p6 3s2

• 1s2 2s2 3s2

Why is the electron configuration of Mg2+ considered stable?

• It has a full 3s orbital.

• It has an incomplete 2p orbital.

• It has more electrons than protons.

• It has the same configuration as neon.

Which element has the same electron configuration as Mg2+?

• Argon

• Oxygen

• Helium

• Neon

What is the significance of having eight valence electrons in Mg2+?

• It causes the ion to gain electrons.

• It leads to a stable electron configuration.

• It results in a positive charge.

• It makes the ion unstable.