Gen chem question

[alanan84]

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Just finished my last final and DAT studying has already begun.

Answer the following question and please explain why you chose that answer:

In what respect does an atom of magnesium, Mg, differ from a magnesium ion, Mg2+?

A) The ion has an inert gas electron configuration; the atom does not.
B) The positive charge on the nucleus of the ion is two units greater than the nuclear charge on the atom.
C) The ion has two more protons than the atom.
D) The ion has two more planetary electrons than the atom.

 

[joonkimdds]

Just finished my last final and DAT studying has already begun.

Answer the following question and please explain why you chose that answer:

In what respect does an atom of magnesium, Mg, differ from a magnesium ion, Mg2+?

A) The ion has an inert gas electron configuration; the atom does not.
B) The positive charge on the nucleus of the ion is two units greater than the nuclear charge on the atom.
C) The ion has two more protons than the atom.
D) The ion has two more planetary electrons than the atom.

Ok...hm...
C is wrong becuz both of them have same protons. That's why both of them are magnesium.

D has two less electrons than the atom. electrons are negative so +2 means lost two.

I think A is wrong too. I don't know what inert gas is. I always assume that it is same as noble gas, group 7 even though wikipedia says they are different.
But if I am correct, Mg 2+ is halogen, not noble gas or inert gas or whatever.

B is correct becuz ion lost two negative so it has two more positive compared to the electrons.


I read the term inert gas over and over, but I always assume it's talking about noble gas and I always get the right answer. Maybe it's time for me to learn what inert gas is. wikipedia explanation sux.

 

[Lindbergjb]

i agree, i also think it is B

 

[Blarelli]

Just finished my last final and DAT studying has already begun.

Answer the following question and please explain why you chose that answer:

In what respect does an atom of magnesium, Mg, differ from a magnesium ion, Mg2+?

A) The ion has an inert gas electron configuration; the atom does not.
B) The positive charge on the nucleus of the ion is two units greater than the nuclear charge on the atom.
C) The ion has two more protons than the atom.
D) The ion has two more planetary electrons than the atom.

I think I am going to disagree with everybody else. I think it is A. The electron configuration of Mg2+ is the same as Neon, which is an inert gas.

I think B is wrong because the nuclear charge of the atom is by definition the total charge of the protons in the nucleus, so the 'positive charge on the nucleus of the ion' is the same as the 'nuclear charge' of the atom. Right?

 

[pbure9]

I think I am going to disagree with everybody else. I think it is A. The electron configuration of Mg2+ is the same as Neon, which is an inert gas.

I think B is wrong because the nuclear charge of the atom is by definition the total charge of the protons in the nucleus, so the 'positive charge on the nucleus of the ion' is the same as the 'nuclear charge' of the atom. Right?

Yea... its definitely A. I wouldnt even read B lol.

Mg2+ is [Ne] 1s2 2s2 2p6

 

[Manimal79]

I would have to agree with Pbure9 and Blarelli

 

[alanan84]

I think I am going to disagree with everybody else. I think it is A. The electron configuration of Mg2+ is the same as Neon, which is an inert gas.

I think B is wrong because the nuclear charge of the atom is by definition the total charge of the protons in the nucleus, so the 'positive charge on the nucleus of the ion' is the same as the 'nuclear charge' of the atom. Right?

Yeah it's A, thanks for the explanation, I get it now.

 

[joonkimdds]

I can't believe I said noble gas is group 7 XD

 

[Sublimation]

Try not to over think any of these simple questions. I kno you are all used to getting tricked by the way professors word their questions. This is a standardized test, they are not out to get us all. If it seems like the question is simple and strait forward then so is its answer. I too thought it twice but if u just look at the periodic table then u know for a FACT that A is the correct answer. Gluck with the studying guys.