Question

Explain that the formation of magnesium chloride is a redox reaction.

Answer 1

Mg(s)+Cl2(g)→MgCl2(s)

Explanation:

The metal loses electrons, and in forming Mg2+it loses 2 electrons and is oxidized:

$Mg\left(s\right)⟶M{g}^{+2}+2e^{-1}$ ------------- (i)

And on the other hand chlorine is reduced to chloride ion by accepting electrons:

$C{l}_2\left(g\right)+2e^{-1}⟶2C{l}^{-}$ ----------- (ii)

And add both (i) and (ii), cancelled out the e-s on both side.

$Mg\left(s\right)+C{l}_2\left(g\right)⟶MgC{l}_2\left(s\right)$

Both charge and mass are balanced, as required.