To determine the formula for magnesium chloride, we need to consider the charges of the ions.
Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12 and typically forms a cation with a charge of +2 (Mg²⁺). Chlorine (Cl), with an atomic number of 17, typically forms an anion with a charge of -1 (Cl⁻).
To balance the charges in the compound, we need two chloride ions for each magnesium ion:
- One Mg²⁺ requires two Cl⁻ to balance the charge.
Thus, the formula for magnesium chloride is MgCl₂.
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