When an atom of mercury ([tex]\(Hg\)[/tex]) loses two electrons, we need to understand how the loss of electrons influences the charge of the mercury ion.
1. Understanding Ion Formation: Normally, atoms are neutral because they have an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). When an atom loses electrons, it loses negative charge, thereby becoming positively charged.
2. Mercury Atom Losing Electrons: A neutral mercury atom (Hg) losing two electrons means it is losing two units of negative charge. Since it loses negative charge, it becomes positively charged by the same number of units. Therefore, if mercury loses two electrons, the atom will have a charge of +2.
3. Ion Notation: The ion formed is denoted by the symbol of the element (Hg) followed by the charge in superscript. The charge is indicated by a plus sign (+) followed by the number of electrons lost. Here, since mercury loses two electrons, the notation is Hg^{+2}.
Hence, when an atom of mercury (Hg) loses two electrons, it forms the ion [tex]\(Hg^{+2}\)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[Hg^{+2}\][/tex]
