Q2 of 8 Page 42

Examine the following chemical equations and answer the questions. (Hint: Atomic Number Mg=12 Cl=17)

Mg + Cl2 MgCl2


Mg Mg2+ + ……


Cl + 1e …….


a) Complete the chemical equations.


b) Which is the cation? Which is the anion?


c) Which type of chemical bond is present in MgCl2?

a) Mg Mg2+ + 2e-

Cl + 1e- Cl-


b) Magnesium ion – Mg2+ is cation and fluorine ion - F- is anion.


c) Ionic bond


Explanation – Magnesium atom loses 2 electrons and acquires positive charge and thereby its called cation. Fluorine atom gains 1 electron, acquires negative charge and becomes anion. Both obtain octet configuration and become stable. The type of bond formed by the transfer of electrons is called ionic bond.


More from this chapter

All 8 →