What is the difference between magnesium atom and magnesium plus 2 ion

Answer 1

A magnesium atom has 12 electrons and 12 protons, resulting in a neutral charge. It is denoted by the chemical symbol Mg.

A magnesium ion with a +2 charge, denoted as Mg2+, has lost two electrons, leaving it with 10 electrons and 12 protons. This loss of electrons gives the ion a positive charge.

Therefore, the main difference between a magnesium atom and a magnesium ion with a +2 charge is the number of electrons. The atom has an equal number of electrons and protons, resulting in a neutral charge, while the ion has a positive charge due to the loss of two electrons.