Question

In the formation of magnesium chloride (by direct combination between magnesium and chlorine), name the substance that is oxidized and the substance that is reduced.

Answer 1

Formation of Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) through direct combination:

• Direct combination means that two or more substance in their simplest forms react to form a complex compound

For the formation of Magnesium chloride through direct combination, Magnesium (Mg) and Chlorine (Cl₂) will combine as shown below:

• $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{Cl}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to {\mathrm{MgCl}}_2\left(\mathrm{s}\right) \\ \left(\mathrm{Magnesium}\right)\left(\mathrm{Chlorine}\right)(\mathrm{Magnesium}\mathrm{chloride}) \end{gathered}$$

Addition of an electronegative species is called as oxidation.

• As Chlorine (electronegative species) is added to Magnesium, therefore Magnesium undergoes oxidation and is oxidized in the reaction.

Addition of an electropositive species is called as reduction.

• As Magnesium (electropositive species) is added to Chlorine, therefore Chlorine undergoes reduction and is reduced in the reaction.

Therefore, the substance that is oxidized is Magnesium and the substance that is reduced is Chlorine.