Question

Explain the formation of an ionic compound of a metal and a non-metal by transfer of electrons with Mg as the metal and Cl as a non-metal to illustrate your answer.

Answer 1

Magnesium is a metal whereas chlorine is a non – metal. Magnesium reacts with chlorine to form an ionic compound magnesium chloride.


The atomic number of magnesium is 12, so its electronic configuration is 2,8,2. It has 2 valance electrons. A magnesium atom donates its 2 valence electrons (to two chlorine atoms) and forms a stable magnesium ion, Mg2+

The atomic number of chlorine is 17, and its electronic configuration is 2,8,7. Chlorine atom has 7 valance electrons, so it requires only 1 more electrons to complete its octet. Since, one magnesium atom donates 2 electrons, so, two chlorine atoms take these two electrons and form two chloride ions

The positively charged magnesium ions and negatively charged chloride ions are held together by electrostatic force of attraction to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2) compound.