Question

What is the charge of magnesium in $\text{Mg}{\text{Cl}}_2$?

• A. 2

Answer 1

The correct option is A 2
The given compound is an ionic compound which is made up of one magnesium and two chlorine atoms.

Chloride ion always has a unit negative charge.

Since ionic compounds are neutral in nature, the net charge on them is zero.

$⟹$Charge on magnesium ion + 2$\times$(charge on chloride ion) = 0
$⟹$Charge on magnesium ion + 2$\times$(-1) = 0
$⟹$Charge on magnesium ion = +2

Thus, magnesium has two units positive charge, written as ${\text{Mg}}^{2+}$.