Question

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 an ionic bond.
the two elements join together in a hydrogen bond.
the two elements join together in a covalent bond.
the two electrons that the mg atom loses are gained by the chlorine atom.
the one electron that the mg atom loses is gained by the chlorine atom.

Explanation:

• Ionic Bond: Magnesium (\(Mg\)) is a metal and chlorine (\(Cl\)) is a non - metal. Metals tend to lose electrons and non - metals tend to gain electrons. In \(MgCl_{2}\), \(Mg\) has a tendency to lose 2 electrons (since its valence shell has 2 electrons) and each \(Cl\) atom (which has 7 valence electrons) needs 1 electron to complete its octet. So, \(Mg\) donates 2 electrons (one to each \(Cl\) atom). This transfer of electrons from \(Mg\) to \(Cl\) atoms forms an ionic bond.
• Electron Transfer: The \(Mg\) atom loses 2 electrons. Each \(Cl\) atom gains 1 electron. So, the two electrons that the \(Mg\) atom loses are gained by the chlorine atoms (one \(Cl\) atom gains one electron).

Answer:

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