Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed when calcium reacts with chlorine?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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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 $\mathrm{MgCl_2}$.
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