The electronic configuration of Mg²⁺ is

Correct answer: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ (Option C)

Explanation: Magnesium has atomic number 12. The neutral configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s². Forming Mg²⁺ means losing two electrons from the highest energy level (the 3s orbital), leaving 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ (the same as Ne).

• 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p² – Too many electrons; not Mg or Mg²⁺.
• 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² – This is neutral Mg, not Mg²⁺.
• 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ – Correct for Mg²⁺.
• 1s² 2s² 2p⁴ – Matches O (Z = 8) pattern, not magnesium.