MgCl₂ will dissolve in water to form magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). This is because MgCl₂ is an ionic compound, meaning it is made up of positively charged ions (Mg²⁺) and negatively charged ions (Cl⁻) held together by electrostatic attraction.

Here's the chemical equation for the dissociation process:

MgCl₂ (s) → Mg²⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq)

Explanation:

* (s) denotes solid state

* (aq) denotes aqueous state (dissolved in water)

The water molecules surround the ions and separate them from each other, allowing them to move freely in solution. This process is called solvation.