Question

Question #7639c

Answer 1

`MgCl_2` originated from Magnesium (Mg) and Chlorine (Cl) atoms.

There is one Mg atom and two Cl atoms (since there is a 2 after the Cl) that forms the compound `MgCl_2`.

It works that way because `MgCl_2` is made up of positive `Mg^2+` ions and negative `Cl^-` ions. In order for `Mg^2+` and `Cl^-` to bond together, the 2 from `Mg^2+` moves to the end of Cl so that makes `MgCl_2`.

Therefore, `MgCl_2` contains `Mg` and `Cl` elements and there are 3 atoms altogether.