Question

a) Explain the formation of Magnesium chloride with the help of electron dot structure.
(At.number : Mg = 12; CI= 17)
b) A non metal X exists in two different forms Y and Z. Y is the hardest natural
substance while Z is good conductor of electricity. Identify the nonmetal X.​

Answer 1

mgcl2 electron dot structure

Answer 2

A) The formation of MgCl₂ is as follows:-

• The atomic number of Magnesium is 12 and its electronic configuration is 2,8,2.
• The atomic number of chlorine is 17 and its electronic configuration is 2,8,7.
• According to the octet rule, Magnesium is having 2 extra electrons and will donate it to two chlorine atoms such that both the atoms now have a stable electronic configuration.
• In this way, the formation of MgCl₂ occurs. Kindly refer to the attachment.

B) The element X is Carbon.

• Carbon exists in different allotropic forms.
• Diamond is an allotrope of carbon and is the hardest natural substance known. Thus, Y is Diamond.
• Graphite is another allotrope of carbon and is a conductor of electricity. So, the given element Z is graphite.