The compound magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) turns into one Mg²⁺ and two Cl^- when placed in water. You can guess that the Mg and Cl atoms are held together normally by a(n) ________ bond.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound which means it is composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces of attraction. In this case, one magnesium ion with a +2 charge is attracted to two chloride ions with -1 charges, resulting in the compound MgCl2. Therefore, the bond holding the atoms together is ionic.

The Compound Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) Turns into One Mg2+ and Two

The Compound Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) Turns into One Mg²⁺ and Two