How do you write reaction equations in ionic notation?
We recently covered the topic of electron transfers in chemistry class. It also covered reaction equations in ionic notation. Unfortunately, I was sick that day, and despite reading up on it, I still don't fully understand the step-by-step procedure for writing reaction equations in ionic notation. Could you perhaps explain to me, using the example of the reaction between magnesium and chlorine, how to write such a reaction equation?
Thank you for your answers!
(1 votes)
Loading...
Magnesium has two external electrons. Chlorine has seven external electrons. Early atoms of the Periodic Table either aim to fill their outer shell with up to 8 electrons (here also “Oktett” rule) or to add all electrons to the outer shell.
Magnesium can emit two electrons (this is called oxidation):
and chlorine can absorb an electron (this is called a reduction):
That is, magnesium provides two electrons which are absorbed by two chlorine atoms:
Since chlorine occurs as a molecule and not as described above as individual atoms, the “2” is not written as a factor but instead is deepened. This indicates that it is not two individual atoms, but instead a chlorine molecule consisting of two chlorine atoms:
The salt of magnesium chloride is formed. This salt thus consists of twice positively charged magnesium cations and simply negatively charged chloride anions.
Thank you for your answer! I finally understood it thanks to you :)!👍