Multiple Choice
What is the correct chemical formula for aluminum bromide?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between magnesium and chlorine?
A
MgCl
B
Mg_2Cl
C
MgCl_2
D
Mg_2Cl_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by magnesium and chlorine. Magnesium typically forms a $\text{Mg}^{2+}$ ion because it loses two electrons, and chlorine forms a $\text{Cl}^{-}$ ion because it gains one electron.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral. Since magnesium has a charge of +2 and chlorine has a charge of -1, two chloride ions are needed to balance one magnesium ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining one $\text{Mg}^{2+}$ ion with two $\text{Cl}^{-}$ ions, resulting in $\text{MgCl}_2$.
Verify that the total positive charge (+2 from magnesium) equals the total negative charge (2 × -1 from two chlorides), confirming the compound is neutral.
Conclude that the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between magnesium and chlorine is $\text{MgCl}_2$.
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