Question

In the formation of magnesium chloride (by direct combination between magnesium and chlorine) name the substance that is oxidized and the substance that is reduced.

Answer 1

In the formation of Magnesium chloride magnesium is oxidized as it is metal and chloride is reduced as it is non-metal.

\[\ce{Mg + Cl2 -> Mg^2+ + 2Cl-}\]

Oxidation: \[\ce{Mg -> Mg^2+ + 2e-}\] 

Reduction: \[\ce{Cl2 + 2e- -> 2Cl-}\]