Final answer:
To achieve a neutral charge overall, the ratio of magnesium to sulfur is 1:1, since both Mg2+ and S2- have charges of ±2 that balance each other out.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the ratio of Mg (magnesium) to S (sulfur) needed to achieve a neutral charge overall, you need to consider the charges of the individual ions involved. Magnesium typically forms a 2+ cation (Mg^2+), while sulfur typically forms a 2- anion (S^2-).
For a compound to have a neutral charge, the sum of the positive charges must equal the sum of the negative charges. In this case, since both magnesium and sulfur have charges of 2, you need one Mg^2+ ion for every S^2- ion to achieve a neutral charge.
Therefore, the ratio of Mg to S needed to achieve a neutral charge is 1:1.