Final answer:
The chemical formula for magnesium chlorate is Mg(ClO3)2, which is composed of one magnesium ion and two chlorate ions. Magnesium chloride, on the other hand, has the formula MgCl2, consisting of one magnesium ion and two chloride ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked for the chemical formula for magnesium chlorate. Firstly, to clarify, there may be a confusion between magnesium chlorate and magnesium chloride, as the information provided relates to magnesium chloride. However, assuming we are focusing on magnesium chlorate, the correct formula is Mg(ClO3)2. For magnesium chloride, the chemical formula is MgCl2, which is formed when magnesium and chlorine react. Magnesium chloride has one magnesium ion (Mg2+) and two chloride ions (Cl−), resulting in the formula MgCl2. This is because magnesium has two valence electrons and needs to lose both to achieve the noble-gas configuration, thereby requiring two chlorine atoms to balance the charge.
As for magnesium chlorate, it is an ionic compound composed of magnesium ions (Mg2+) and chlorate ions (ClO3−). Since magnesium has a +2 charge and each chlorate ion has a −1 charge, two chlorate ions are needed to balance the +2 charge of one magnesium ion, resulting in the formula Mg(ClO3)2.