Moderate

Which statement describes the conversion of magnesium atoms to magnesium ions for ionic bond formation with chlorine?

Correct answer: B. The change is oxidation, because there has been a loss of electrons

  • A. The change is reduction, because there has been a gain of electrons
  • B. The change is oxidation, because there has been a loss of electrons
  • C. The change is reduction, because there has been a loss of electrons
  • D. The change is oxidation, because there has been a gain of electrons

Explanation

In the formation of an ionic bond between magnesium and chlorine, magnesium atoms lose two electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration. The loss of electrons is called oxidation. Magnesium has an electronic configuration of 2, 8, 2. By losing two electrons, it forms Mg2+ ions with a stable electronic configuration of 2, 8. This process involves the loss of electrons, which is characteristic of oxidation. Therefore, during the formation of an ionic bond between magnesium and chlorine, the change in magnesium atoms is oxidation because there is a loss of electrons.

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Electrochemistry describes electron transfer through oxidation and reduction, identifies oxidizing and reducing agents, and applies oxidation numbers to balance redox equations. It also covers electrode potential and the standard hydrogen electrode, which provides the reference for comparing the reduction tendencies of other electrodes.

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