Question

How do we classify the reaction, `Mg(s) + Cl_2(g) rarr MgCl_2(s)`?

Answer 1

Well, `"reaction 1"` is.........

Explanation:

Redox reactions involve a formal change in oxidation number........

And if we superscript the oxidation numbers..........

`stackrel(0)"Mg" +stackrel(0)"Cl"_2(g)rarrstackrel(+II)"Mg"stackrel(-I)"Cl"_2`

The metal has been (typically) oxidized, and has donated electrons to the non-metal, and thus reduced it..........

Can you write the individual half equations representing formal oxidation and reduction?