What compound is formed when Mg2+ and Cl- combine?

Note: assume that you can have multiple Mg2+ and Cl- as needed.

Question

What compound is formed when Mg2+ and Cl- combine?

Note: assume that you can have multiple Mg2+ and Cl- as needed.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Mg2+ has a 2+ charge and Cl- has a 1- charge, so the ions must combine in a ratio that gives an overall neutral compound.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Ionic compounds form from positive cations and negative anions and must be electrically neutral overall.
- The magnitude of the ion charges determines the ratio of ions in the formula unit.
- Subscripts in a formula indicate the simplest whole-number ratio of ions.

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Identify charges: magnesium ion = Mg2+ (charge +2); chloride ion = Cl- (charge −1).
- Determine how many chloride ions are needed to balance one magnesium ion so the total net charge = 0.

3) Intermediate calculation steps
- One Mg2+ contributes +2 charge.
- Each Cl- contributes −1 charge.
- To get net zero: (+2) + n(−1) = 0 → +2 − n = 0 → n = 2.
- Therefore, one Mg2+ pairs with two Cl− ions.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- Putting one Mg and two Cl atoms in the formula gives MgCl2. The combined charges are (+2) + 2(−1) = 0, so the compound is neutral as required. This is the simplest whole-number ratio and the conventional empirical formula for the ionic solid magnesium chloride.

5) Why other possible formulas are incorrect (brief)
- MgCl would imply a +1 magnesium or a −1 chlorine (charge imbalance); it does not neutralize Mg2+.
- MgCl3 would give total charge (+2) + 3(−1) = −1 (not neutral).
- Mg2Cl or Mg2Cl2 either imply nonstandard charges or reduce to incorrect ratios; for example Mg2Cl2 reduces to MgCl but that does not reflect the needed charge balance for Mg2+ and Cl−.
- The only simple whole-number ratio that balances +2 and −1 is 1 Mg to 2 Cl.

6) Conclusion
The neutral ionic compound formed is MgCl2, which matches the provided correct answer.

What compound is formed when Mg2+ and Cl- combine? Note: assume that you can have multiple Mg2+ and Cl- as needed. 单项选择题

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