What is the first step in writing the formula for an ionic compound? What do you write next? What is the final step? In magnesium chloride, how many valence electrons does a magnes... What is the first step in writing the formula for an ionic compound? What do you write next? What is the final step? In magnesium chloride, how many valence electrons does a magnesium atom have? What is the charge of a magnesium ion? What must you add to 2+ to get a sum of 0? Since a magnesium ion has a charge of 2+, how many chlorine ions are needed to balance the charge? How does the name of an ionic compound relate to its formula?
Understand the Problem
The user has provided a list of questions related to ionic compounds and their properties. These questions cover topics such as writing formulas for ionic compounds, determining the number of valence electrons, understanding ion charges, and relating ionic compound names to their formulas.
Answer
12. Identify ions, write symbols/charges, and balance the compound. 13. Two. 14. 2+. 15. 2-. 16. Two. 17. Name follows formula: cation then anion.
- First, identify the cation and anion. Next, write the symbol and charge of the cation first, then the anion. Finally, combine the ions to form an electrically neutral compound.
- A magnesium atom has two valence electrons.
- The charge of a magnesium ion is 2+.
- You must add 2- to 2+ to get a sum of 0.
- Two chlorine ions are needed to balance the 2+ charge of a magnesium ion.
- The name of an ionic compound starts with the cation and ends with the anion, similar to how the formula is written.
Answer for screen readers
- First, identify the cation and anion. Next, write the symbol and charge of the cation first, then the anion. Finally, combine the ions to form an electrically neutral compound.
- A magnesium atom has two valence electrons.
- The charge of a magnesium ion is 2+.
- You must add 2- to 2+ to get a sum of 0.
- Two chlorine ions are needed to balance the 2+ charge of a magnesium ion.
- The name of an ionic compound starts with the cation and ends with the anion, similar to how the formula is written.
More Information
Ionic compounds are formed through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. The overall charge of the compound must be neutral, which dictates the ratio of cations to anions in the formula.
Tips
A common mistake is not balancing the charges correctly, leading to an incorrect formula. Always double-check that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge in the compound.
Sources
- 5.5: Writing Formulas for Ionic Compounds - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- How to Write the Formula for MgCl2 (Magnesium chloride) - YouTube - youtube.com
- Why is the chemical formula for magnesium chloride MgCl2? - Socratic - socratic.org
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