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Atomic Structure

The Ionic Bond formation for Magnesium Chloride.

Magnesium is in group 2 of the periodic table.
A magnesium atom will lose 2 electrons to form a stable 2+ ion.

Chlorine is in group 7 of the periodic table.
A chlorine atom will gain 1 electron to form a stable 1- ion.

Two chlorine atoms will each gain one electron from the magnesium atom.
The atoms become ions.
The Formation of Magnesium Chloride from Atoms.
The attraction between the oppositely charged ions
forms the ionic bond between magnesium and chlorine.
The formula for magnesium chloride is MgCl2.

magnesium + chlorine  arrow   magnesium chloride.
 Mg(s)  +    Cl2(g)        arrow           MgCl2(s)

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