Question

Write the chemical formula of the following:

Magnesium chloride

Answer 1

To write the formulae of any chemical compound we follow the given steps:

1. Write the symbols for the elements present in the compound.
2. Write their respective valencies below the symbols.
3. Using the criss-cross arrows, assign the second valency to the first element and the first valency to the second element. Always enclose the polyatomic ions with valency in subscript in a bracket.
4. Simplify the formula by dividing with the common factor of the valencies.
5. For complete formula, write the numerals in the subscript of the symbols of elements.

The formula of Magnesium chloride will be :

Name of elements: Magnesium chloride

Symbols of elements: $\mathrm{Mg}$ $\mathrm{Cl}$

Valency of elements: 2 1

Formula: ${\mathrm{MgCl}}_2$

Hence, the chemical formula for Magnesium chloride is ${\mathrm{MgCl}}_2$