Which of the following represent the Lewis structure for Mg?
A) Mg B) Mg C) Mg: Mg: D) Mg: E)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct Lewis structure for magnesium (Mg) is A) Mg.
Explanation:
Magnesium (Mg) is an element in group 2 of the periodic table, which means it has two valence electrons. The Lewis structure is a way of representing the valence electrons of an atom using dots around the symbol of the element. These dots are placed around the element symbol to show the number of electrons in the outermost shell, which are involved in bonding.
Let’s break down each option to understand why A) Mg is the correct choice:
- A) Mg: This option correctly shows magnesium with no dots around it, which represents that magnesium has no lone valence electrons in this structure. Magnesium, being in group 2, has two electrons in its outer shell, which it tends to lose to form a cation (Mg²⁺). The Lewis structure for an isolated magnesium atom (in its ground state) is typically just written as “Mg” without dots because it doesn’t share or retain any valence electrons in this neutral form.
- B) Mg: While this option is identical to A, it’s just another representation of magnesium without showing any specific detail about the valence electrons, so it could also be considered valid, but it doesn’t specify anything further about the bonding potential or electron configuration.
- C) Mg: Mg:: This structure suggests that two magnesium atoms are forming a bond, but it’s not appropriate for the isolated magnesium atom. Magnesium usually loses its two valence electrons to form a Mg²⁺ ion and does not typically form a bond like this in its neutral state.
- D) Mg:: This option also has magnesium with one electron shown as a lone pair (the colon), but magnesium would never have a single lone electron in its neutral state because it has two valence electrons and readily loses them to form a cation.
- **E) **: This option is incomplete and lacks a structure.
Thus, A) Mg is the best answer, as it simply and accurately represents magnesium’s neutral atomic form without the necessity of showing electron pairs in this context.