The energy diagram below is for an ion of magnesium. To make this ion, the atom that it came from had to_________.
A) become a different atom.
B) gain electrons.
C) become a nonmetal.
D) lose electrons.
E) become a metal.

Question

The energy diagram below is for an ion of magnesium. To make this ion, the atom that it came from had to_________. 
A) become a different atom. 
B) gain electrons. 
C) become a nonmetal. 
D) lose electrons. 
E) become a metal.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy diagram shows that the ion of magnesium has a more negative energy level than the neutral atom, meaning that energy was released in the process of creating the ion. This energy release is consistent with the loss of electrons, as the ion has a net positive charge and would be formed by removing one or more electrons from the neutral atom. Therefore, the best choice is D) lose electrons.

The Energy Diagram Below Is for an Ion of Magnesium