Question #7639c

1 Answer
Dec 1, 2016

MgCl_2 originated from Magnesium (Mg) and Chlorine (Cl) atoms.

There is one Mg atom and two Cl atoms (since there is a 2 after the Cl) that forms the compound MgCl_2.

It works that way because MgCl_2 is made up of positive Mg^2+ ions and negative Cl^- ions. In order for Mg^2+ and Cl^- to bond together, the 2 from Mg^2+ moves to the end of Cl so that makes MgCl_2.

Therefore, MgCl_2 contains Mg and Cl elements and there are 3 atoms altogether.