Final answer:
In the reaction between magnesium and chlorine, magnesium transfers electrons to chlorine forming a magnesium cation (Mg²⁺) and two chloride ions (Cl⁻), resulting in the compound magnesium chloride with the formula MgCl₂.
Step-by-step explanation:
When magnesium reacts with chlorine, several statements can be made about the process:
- The formula for the compound formed is MgCl₂, which means magnesium chloride consists of one magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) and two chloride ions (Cl⁻).
- Magnesium transfers electrons to chlorine, with magnesium transforming into a Mg²⁺ cation after it loses two electrons.
- Chlorine atoms gain one electron each to become chloride ions, each with a -1 charge.
- The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is Mg(s) + Cl₂(g) → MgCl₂(s). Magnesium is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to +2, and chlorine is reduced from 0 to -1 in the process.
Therefore, the correct statements are that the formula for the compound is MgCl₂ and that magnesium transfers electrons to chlorine, with magnesium becoming a Mg²⁺ cation as a result of the reaction.