The charge of an atom is an intrinsic property of that atom. Atoms develop charges when they gain or lose electrons and they become negatively or positively charged respectively. Magnesium, Mg, is a metal; metals lose electrons and gain positive charge.
Magnesium and every other element will lose all or some electrons in their valence shell. This is why the valency and charge of some elements are the same.
This article discusses the charge of Mg and its charge when combined with other elements in different compounds.
Properties of magnesium
- Magnesium is the 12th element of the periodic with atomic number 12 and atomic mass of 24
- Magnesium is an alkaline-earth metal and a member of the group 2 family and period 3
- It has an electronic configuration of [Ne] 3S2 (1s22s22p63s2) and 2, 8, 2 electrons in its shells
- Magnesium tends to exhibit variable oxidation states – 0, +1, +2
- It has a melting point of 1202°F (650°C) and a boiling point of 1994°F (1091°C)
- Near room temperature, magnesium has a density of 1.738 g/cm3 and 1.584 g/cm3 in its liquid state
What is the charge of magnesium?
Magnesium has a charge of +2. When it loses two electrons, it has 12 protons and 10 electrons after losing the two electrons in its outermost shell. Then, Mg becomes Mg2+.
What is the charge of magnesium in MgCl2?
Magnesium chloride, MgCl2, is a neutral atom. In MgCl2, Mg is a cation with a +2 charge, and Cl is an anion with a -1 charge.
What is the charge of Mg in MgSO4?
The charge of Mg in MgSO4 is +2. The sulfate has a -2 charge and the overall charge of the compound is 0.
Mathematically,
Mg + (-2) = 0
Mg = +2
What is the charge of magnesium in magnesium nitrate?
The charge of Mg in Mg(NO3)2 is +2.
The charge on the nitrate ion is -1. The two nitrate ions have a -2 charge. In a mathematical expression,
Mg + 2(-1) = 0
Mg – 2 = 0
+2 = Mg
FAQs
What is the nuclear charge of magnesium?
The nuclear charge of Mg is 12, which is the same as its atomic number. The nuclear charge of an atom is equal to the atomic number.
What is the valency of magnesium?
The valency of magnesium is +2 because it contains 2 electrons in its valence shell.
Can magnesium have a +3 charge?
No, it cannot. Magnesium cannot lose three electrons from its outermost shell and get the +3 charge.
Conclusion
Magnesium is a cation with a +2 charge. This is the same charge for about every compound magnesium forms.
Unlike some other metals, magnesium cannot lose only one of the two electrons in its outermost shell. That would make it unstable. Furthermore, the valency, oxidation state, and charge are the same for magnesium.
Thanks for reading.
Check Gezro for the charge of other elements of the periodic table.