Final answer:
The chemical reaction forming magnesium chloride involves magnesium being oxidized and chlorine being reduced, with transfer of electrons from magnesium atoms to chlorine atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to a chemical reaction where magnesium (Mg) and chlorine gas (Cl2) react to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2).
In this ionic compound formation process, a magnesium atom loses two electrons to form the Mg2+ ion, while each chlorine atom gains one electron to form two Cl- ions. The Mg atoms are oxidized and the Cl atoms are reduced, highlighting a redox reaction where both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.