Below are diagrams of magnesium and chlorine atoms. Answer the following questio

Question

Below are diagrams of magnesium and chlorine atoms. Answer the following questions based on diagrams. In the illustration above, circle the electrons that have the highest energy level in each atom. Both atoms need a total of 8 electrons to fill their highest energy level. How many electrons does a chlorine atom need to have a total of 8 electrons in its highest energy level? How many electrons does magnesium have in its highest energy level? Which atom is most likely to give up its electrons to another atom? Why ? When chlorine and magnesium react chemically, how many chlorine atoms will combine with one magnesium atom? (Think about your answers to C and D to help you with this.) Write the chemical formula of the compound that is formed:

Explanation / Answer

1) Magnesium have 2 electron the highest energy level and Chlorine have 7 electrons in the highest energy level.

2) Chlorine ion needs one electron to fill its highest energy level

3) Magnesium needs 6 electrons.

4) Magnesium atom is most likely to give up its electrons as it has only two electrons in its outer orbit and it is easier to give up 2 electrons rather than taking 6 elctrons.

5) As Magnesium have two electrons in its higher energy level and it required total to 8 electron to attain stability either it will give off its two electrons or gain 6. Giving off is easier thus it will combine with 2 chlorine ions as each chlorine ion have 7 electrrons in this outer orbit, one electron will be given to one chlorine atom and another to another. The chemical formula is MgCl2

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