* Ionic Compound: Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound, meaning it is formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻).
* Dissociation in Water: When dissolved in water, the ionic bonds in magnesium chloride break, and the ions become free to move independently.
* Free Ions: The presence of these free, mobile ions is crucial for electrical conductivity. The positive ions can carry charge towards a negative electrode (cathode), and the negative ions can carry charge towards a positive electrode (anode).
* Electrolyte: Solutions of magnesium chloride are considered electrolytes because they conduct electricity due to the presence of free ions.
Important Note: Magnesium chloride in its solid state is not a good conductor. The ions are fixed in a rigid lattice and cannot move freely.
