Question

whats the formula for magnesium chloride with the valences balanced? answer options: select one of four mgcl, mg⁺²cl, mg⁺²cl⁻¹₂, mgcl₂

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valences of ions

Magnesium (\(Mg\)) has a valence of \(+2\) (forms \(Mg^{2+}\) ion), and chlorine (\(Cl\)) has a valence of \(-1\) (forms \(Cl^-\) ion).

Step2: Balance positive and negative charges

To balance the charges, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. Let the number of \(Mg^{2+}\) ions be \(x\) and \(Cl^-\) ions be \(y\). So, \(2x = 1y\). The simplest ratio is \(x = 1\), \(y = 2\) (since \(2\times1 = 1\times2\)).

Step3: Write the formula

Using the ion symbols and their counts, the formula is \(MgCl_2\) (we don't write the charges in the final formula of the compound, just the symbols and subscripts for the number of each ion).

Answer:

\(MgCl_2\) (corresponding to the option with \(MgCl_2\) among the given choices)