* Ionic Compound: MgCl₂ is an ionic compound, meaning it's formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻).
* Dissociation in Water: When MgCl₂ dissolves in water, the ionic bonds between Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ are broken. The water molecules, being polar, surround and separate the ions, effectively separating them into their constituent ions. This process is called dissociation.
* Free Ions: Now, the solution contains free, mobile Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. These ions are responsible for conducting electricity.
* Electric Current: When an electric potential is applied across the solution, the positively charged magnesium ions move towards the negative electrode (cathode), and the negatively charged chloride ions move towards the positive electrode (anode). This movement of charged particles constitutes an electric current, making the solution a good conductor.
In contrast, pure water is a very poor conductor because it has very few free ions. When MgCl₂ is added to water, the dissociation of the ionic compound drastically increases the concentration of free ions, making the solution conductive.
