Which represents a Ca atom with two positive electrical charges (Ca2+)? (a)

(b)

(c)

Video transcript

Hey everyone were asked which of the following illustrates our magnesium ion, a magnesium atom with two positive charges. Now, when we look at our periodic table, we see that magnesium has an atomic number of 12, which tells us the number of protons we have now to determine the number of electrons. We can simply take the number of protons and subtract our charge. So, plugging in these values, we have 12 and we can go ahead and subtract that charge of two, which gets us to 10 electrons. Now looking at our answer choices, we have answer choice A. Which tells us that we have 10 protons and 10 electrons answer choice B tells us that we have 12 protons and 10 electrons answer choice C tells us we have 10 protons and 12 electrons and answer choice D tells us we have 12 protons and 12 electrons. Now comparing this to the value we determined it looks like answer choice B is our answer. Now I hope that made sense. And let us know if you have any questions.