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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for magnesium chloride?
A
Mg_2Cl
B
Mg_2Cl_2
C
MgCl
D
MgCl_2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: magnesium typically forms a Mg^{2+} ion, and chloride forms a Cl^{-} ion.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge to zero. Since Mg^{2+} has a +2 charge and Cl^{-} has a -1 charge, two chloride ions are needed to balance one magnesium ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining one magnesium ion with two chloride ions, resulting in MgCl_2.
Check that the total positive charge (+2 from Mg^{2+}) balances the total negative charge (2 × -1 from two Cl^{-} ions), confirming the formula is electrically neutral.
Compare the options given and select MgCl_2 as the correct formula for magnesium chloride.