Question

1. cl : mg : cl

the diagram represents the electron dot formula for the bonding of mg and cl. which of the following are true for the bonding type involved in mgcl? select two correct answers.
the two elements join together in a covalent bond
the one electron that the mg atom loses is gained by the chlorine atom.
the two elements join together in a hydrogen bond
the two electrons that the mg atom loses are gained by the chlorine atom
the two elements join together in an ionic bond
clear all

Explanation:

• Ionic Bond: Magnesium (\(Mg\)) is a metal and chlorine (\(Cl\)) is a non - metal. In \(MgCl_2\), \(Mg\) has a tendency to lose electrons (it has 2 valence electrons) and \(Cl\) has a tendency to gain electrons (it needs 1 electron to complete its octet). So, \(Mg\) loses 2 electrons (not 1) which are gained by two \(Cl\) atoms (each \(Cl\) atom gains 1 electron). The bond formed between a metal and a non - metal due to the transfer of electrons is an ionic bond.
• Covalent Bond: Covalent bonds are formed between non - metals by sharing of electrons. Since \(Mg\) is a metal and \(Cl\) is a non - metal, they do not form a covalent bond.
• Hydrogen Bond: Hydrogen bonds are a special type of dipole - dipole interaction and occur between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (\(N\), \(O\), or \(F\)) and another electronegative atom. There is no hydrogen involved in \(MgCl_2\), so no hydrogen bond.

Answer:

• The two electrons that the \(Mg\) atom loses are gained by the chlorine atom.
• The two elements join together in an ionic bond.