Formation of ions Original Scenario-Based Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   On the crystal-harvesting world of Astraea, synthetic bio-constructs synthesize protective lattices using neutral magnesium atoms (atomic number 12) and neutral fluorine atoms (atomic number 9). To achieve the stable noble-gas electron configurations required to cement the mineral matrix, the atoms must transform into ions by exchanging valence electrons. Which statement correctly describes the electron transfer and the resulting ionic species in this process?

   • A) Magnesium gains two electrons to form $\text{Mg}^{2-}$, while each fluorine loses one electron to form $\text{F}^+$.
   • B) Magnesium loses one electron to form $\text{Mg}^+$, while each fluorine gains two electrons to form $\text{F}^{2-}$.
   • C) Magnesium shares its two valence electrons equally with a single fluorine atom without charge transfer, forming neutral radicals.
   • D) Magnesium loses two valence electrons to form $\text{Mg}^{2+}$, while two fluorine atoms each gain one electron to form $\text{F}^-$.

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