Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed when calcium reacts with chlorine?
65
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Multiple Choice
When magnesium reacts with chlorine, which ionic compound is formed?
A
Mg2Cl
B
Mg2Cl3
C
MgCl2
D
MgCl
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by magnesium and chlorine. Magnesium typically forms a cation with a charge of +2, written as \(\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}\), and chlorine forms an anion with a charge of -1, written as \(\mathrm{Cl^-}\).
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges in the compound. Since magnesium has a +2 charge and chlorine has a -1 charge, two chloride ions are needed to balance one magnesium ion.
Write the formula of the ionic compound by combining one \(\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}\) ion with two \(\mathrm{Cl^-}\) ions, resulting in \(\mathrm{MgCl_2}\).
Confirm that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge to ensure the compound is electrically neutral: \(+2\) from magnesium and \(2 \times (-1) = -2\) from chlorine.
Conclude that the correct formula for the ionic compound formed when magnesium reacts with chlorine is \(\mathrm{MgCl_2}\).
Related Videos
Related Practice
