Mg + Cl2 redox reaction explain?

Question

What is the substance being reduced and oxidised? What are the reducing and oxidising agents?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-01T20:12:30

#Mg(s) + Cl_2(g) rarr MgCl_2(s)#

The metal loses electrons, and in forming #Mg^(2+)# it loses 2 electrons and is oxidized:

#Mg(s) rarr Mg^(2+) + 2e^-# #(i)#

And on the other hand chlorine is reduced to chloride ion by accepting electrons:

#Cl_2(g) +2e^(-) rarr 2Cl^(-)# #(ii)#

And #(i) + (ii)=# #Mg(s) + Cl_2(g) rarr MgCl_2(s)#

Both charge and mass are balanced, as required.