Question

In the compound MgCl2, the subscript 2 indicates that

a. there are two magnesium ions for each ion of chlorine
b. the chloride ion is twice the size of the magnesium ion.
c. magnesium and chlorine form a double covalent bond.
d. there are two chloride ions for each magnesium ion.

Answer 1

The chloride ion accepted two electrons from the magnesium ion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The correct answer is answer choice D, there are two chloride ions for each magnesium ions. Subscripts always indicate the number of atoms, or ions, present in the molecule. The 2 refers to the element directly to its left, so answer choice A is reversed; there are 2 chloride ions for each magnesium ion, not the other way around. Answer choice B and C are incorrect because the subscript refers to the number of atoms, not the size of the atoms or the type of bond.