Explain the ionic bond formation between magnesium and chlorine?

Ionic bond formation between magnesium (Mg) and chlorine (Cl) occurs when magnesium, a metal, reacts with chlorine, a non-metal, to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2). This type of chemical bonding occurs due to the transfer of electrons from the metal to the non-metal, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).

Here's a step-by-step explanation of the ionic bond formation between magnesium and chlorine:

Electron Configuration:

Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, which means it has 12 electrons in its neutral state. The electron configuration of magnesium is 2, 8, 2, indicating that it has two electrons in its outermost electron shell (valence shell).
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, which means it has 17 electrons in its neutral state. The electron configuration of chlorine is 2, 8, 7, indicating that it needs one more electron to achieve a stable, full valence shell with eight electrons.
Electron Transfer:

In order to achieve a stable electron configuration, magnesium, with its two valence electrons, will lose these electrons and become a positively charged ion (cation). When it loses two electrons, it becomes Mg²⁺.
Chlorine, needing one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration with eight electrons in its valence shell, will gain two electrons. This causes chlorine to become negatively charged ions (anions). When it gains two electrons, it becomes two Cl⁻ ions.
Formation of Ionic Compound:

Magnesium loses two electrons to form Mg²⁺ ions, which have a positive charge.
Two chlorine atoms gain one electron each to form two Cl⁻ ions, each with a negative charge.
The electrostatic attraction between the positively charged Mg²⁺ ions and the negatively charged Cl⁻ ions results in the formation of magnesium chloride (MgCl2).
The overall chemical reaction for this ionic bond formation can be represented as follows:

Mg + Cl2 → Mg²⁺ + 2Cl⁻ → MgCl2

In the resulting magnesium chloride compound, the ionic bond is the strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and the negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻). This bond holds the ions together in a crystalline lattice structure, creating a stable and electrically neutral compound.