Answer: The chemical formula for magnesium sulfite is
![MgSO_3](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/chemistry/college/ppss2sugxb7atzm77duj3dgtqjtfk8674i.png)
Step-by-step explanation:
The given compound is formed by the combination of magnesium and sulfite ions. This is an ionic compound.
Magnesium is the 12th element of periodic table having electronic configuration of
.
To form
ion, this element will loose 2 electrons.
Sulfite ion is a polyatomic ion having chemical formula of
![SO_3^(2-)](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/chemistry/college/pkc6ypntsjlsrlbqfjgudkiennoibb2vke.png)
By criss-cross method, the oxidation state of the ions gets exchanged and they form the subscripts of the other ions. This results in the formation of a neutral compound.
So, the chemical formula for magnesium sulfite is
![MgSO_3](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/chemistry/college/ppss2sugxb7atzm77duj3dgtqjtfk8674i.png)