Question

By the transfer of electrons, illustrate the formation of bond in magnesium chloride and identify the ions present in this compound.

Answer 1

In this case, chlorine is a nonmetal while magnesium is a metal. The magnesium cation Mg²⁺ is created when a magnesium atom loses two electrons to achieve the noble gas state. In a similar manner, an electron is added to a chlorine atom to complete its octet, forming the chloride anion C1^-.

Two electrons are gained by two chlorine atoms when magnesium and chlorine react. Due to their opposing charges, Mg⁺ and Cl^- are drawn to one another and are held together by powerful electrostatic forces to form MgCl₂.