Magnesium and Cyanide Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to write the chemical formula for magnesium cyanide. It begins by identifying magnesium and cyanide, noting that cyanide is a polyatomic ion with a charge of -1. Magnesium, being a metal, has a +2 charge. The tutorial demonstrates how to balance these charges to form a neutral compound, resulting in the formula Mg(CN)2. The process involves using parentheses to indicate multiple cyanide ions, ensuring the overall charge is zero.

What is the chemical symbol for magnesium?

• M

• Ma

• Mg

• Mn

Which of the following is a polyatomic ion?

• Hydrogen

• Cyanide

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

What is the charge of the cyanide ion?

• 2-

• 1+

• 2+

• 1-

Why is magnesium cyanide considered an ionic compound?

• It is a covalent compound.

• It contains both metals and non-metals.

• It contains only non-metals.

• It contains only metals.

What is the ionic charge of magnesium in magnesium cyanide?

• 2-

• 1+

• 2+

• 1-

How many cyanide ions are needed to balance the charge of one magnesium ion?

• Four

• One

• Two

• Three

What is the correct formula for magnesium cyanide?

• Mg2CN

• Mg(CN)2

• MgC2N

• MgCN