Question

Show the formation of magnesium chloride from magnesium and chlorine by the transfer of electrons.

Answer 1

Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, resulting in an electronic structure of 2, 8, 2. It possesses two valence electrons. A magnesium atom donates its two valence electrons to two chlorine atoms, forming a stable magnesium ion, Mg²⁺.

Chlorine has an atomic number of 17 and an electronic configuration of 2, 8, 7. The chlorine atom possesses 7 valence electrons, necessitating only 1 additional electron to fulfil its octet. One magnesium atom gives two electrons, resulting in the formation of two chloride ions from two chlorine atoms that accept these electrons.

During the reaction between magnesium and chlorine, the magnesium atom donates its two valence electrons to two chlorine atoms. Upon the loss of 2 electrons, the magnesium atom transforms into a magnesium ion (Mg²⁺), while the acquisition of 2 electrons by two chlorine atoms results in the formation of two chloride ions (2Cl⁻).