The energy diagram below is for an ion of magnesium. The charge on this ion is _______ making the ion a _______.
A) (-10; anion)
B) (-2; anion)
C) (-2; cation)
D) + 2; anion
E) + 2; cation

Question

The energy diagram below is for an ion of magnesium. The charge on this ion is _______ making the ion a _______.  
A) (-10; anion) 
B) (-2; anion) 
C) (-2; cation) 
D) + 2; anion 
E) + 2; cation

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diagram shows that the ion has lost two electrons, indicated by the two upward arrows. Losing electrons results in a positive charge, so the charge on the ion is +2. Since it has a positive charge, it is a cation. Therefore, the best choice is E.

The Energy Diagram Below Is for an Ion of Magnesium