Which of the following statements about magnesium is true?

Which of the following statements about magnesium is true?

• A. It is a non-metal.
• B. It has two valence electrons.
• C. It cannot conduct electricity.
• D. It is not considered a metal.

Answer: (B)

Magnesium is indeed classified as an alkaline earth metal, and it possesses two valence electrons in its outer shell. This is a defining characteristic of elements in group 2 of the periodic table, where magnesium is located. The presence of these two valence electrons allows magnesium to readily form compounds and engage in various chemical reactions, typically by losing its two valence electrons to achieve a more stable electronic configuration, like that of a noble gas. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the properties of magnesium. It is a metal, capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of mobile valence electrons, and it is not categorized as a non-metal.

Magnesium is indeed classified as an alkaline earth metal, and it possesses two valence electrons in its outer shell. This is a defining characteristic of elements in group 2 of the periodic table, where magnesium is located. The presence of these two valence electrons allows magnesium to readily form compounds and engage in various chemical reactions, typically by losing its two valence electrons to achieve a more stable electronic configuration, like that of a noble gas.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the properties of magnesium. It is a metal, capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of mobile valence electrons, and it is not categorized as a non-metal.