Read the following chemical equation.

Mg (s) + H + Cl - → Mg2 + Cl - + H2

What most likely happens during this reaction?

Magnesium gains two electrons.

Magnesium loses two electrons.

Chlorine gains one electron.

Chlorine loses one electron.

Answer

Hi,

In this equation, i see we have two answers;

B. Magnesium loses two electrons

C. Chlorine gains one electron

Explanation

Due to their valences, Magnesium, Mg+2 and Chlorine - 1, magnesium atom will loose two electrons to form a stable state 2 + ions. Chlorine as a member of group 7 elements of the periodic table, the chlorine atom will gain 1 electron to form a stable 1 - ion and facilitate the formation of the ionic bond that occurs between the two elements.