Write the formation of magnesium chloride.

Explanation

Formation of magnesium chloride `(MgCl_2)`: The atomic number of magnesium is 12. It has two electrons in its valence shell as shown below:
`_12Mg-2,8,2`
Magnesium therefore has a tendency to lose the 2 valence electrons and in the process attains the electronic configuration of neon.
`Mg_(2,8,2)toMg_(2,8)^(2+)+2e^-`
Chlorine(atomic number 17) has 7 electrons in the valence shell. It has a tendency to gain one electron to complete its octet.
`Cl_(2,8,7)+e^(-) toCl_(2,8,8)^(-)`
Thus , when magnesium and chlorine are brought together, the magnesium atom transfers its two valence electrons to two chlorine atoms. In the process, both the atoms acquire the stable electronic configuration of nearest inert gases. The positively charged magnesium ion `Mg^(2+)` and negatively charged chloride ions `(Cl^-)` are now held together by the electrostatic force of attraction and form ionic bond.
`Mg^(2+)+2Cl^(-) to Mg^(2+) 2Cl^(-)or MgCl_2`
this process can also be shown as below: