In the space below, duplicate the electron energy level diagram to the 4s 1evel.

Question

In the space below, duplicate the electron energy level diagram to the 4s 1evel. Use up (uparrow) and down (downarrow) arrows to show the configuration of electrons for the ground state of a neutral magnesium atom, atom, Mg. Then answer the following questions about magnesium: a) Write the shorthand configuration: 1s^2... b) How many of the electrons are valence electrons? c) If were to form a positive ion by losing valence electrons, what charge magnesium would result? (Include both the number and sign of the charge.) d) Would you expect the ion to be larger or smaller in volume than the neutral atom? Why?

Explanation / Answer

a)

Mg = 12 electrons

For Magnesium

[Ne] 3s2

complete:

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2

b)

valence electrons are in level n = 3

the level has only 2 electrons, so it has only 2 electrons in its valence shell

c)

the loss of 2 electrons will make a Mg2+ charged ion

d)

we expect the ion to be SMALLER, since the same possitive charge( protons) will attract stronger less amount of electrons (that is, 12 protons will attracts stronger those 10 electrons, therefore less distance, i.e. radius decreases)

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