How many electrons does a magnesium atom lose when it reacts with an oxygen atom?

a. 3
b. 2
c. 1
d.4

The answer to your question is:  B. 2

Explanation:

Magnesium is located in group IIA, that means that it has 2 electrons in its outermost shell, and these are the electrons that it can lose to become stable.

Oxygen is located in group VI A, that means that it has 6 electrons in its outermost shell and needs to electrons to become stable.

                        Mg⁺²   +  O₂²⁻   ⇒   MgO

it can be observed without changing the identity of the object.

it depends on what substance you're talking about as well as many other factors. in quantum mechanics, the observation of particles affects the observers ability to measure certain properties. for example: you can know the velocity of a particle, but you can't know it's position; or you can know it's position, but not it's velocity. it's like trying to find out where a grain of sand is by throwing other grains of sand at it. once you find out where it is, it's been moved. it's also like trying to find an answer to the question of whether or not a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. paradoxically, the only way to find out is to be there and hear it.