Which of the following correctly represents the ionic compound formed from the reaction between magnesium chloride and sodium sulfate? Include the charges on the ions.

• A. NaCl: Na^{+} and Cl^{-}
• B. MgSO_4: Mg^{2+} and SO_4^{2-}
• C. MgCl_2: Mg^{2+} and Cl^{-}
• D. Na_2SO_4: Na^{+} and SO_4^{2-}

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions present in each compound and their charges. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) consists of Na^{+} and Cl^{-}.
2. Determine the ions involved in the reaction between magnesium chloride and sodium sulfate. Magnesium chloride contains Mg^{2+} and Cl^{-}, while sodium sulfate contains Na^{+} and SO_4^{2-}.
3. Understand that when these compounds react, the cations and anions can exchange partners to form new ionic compounds.
4. Write the possible new compounds by combining the cations and anions from the reactants, ensuring the total positive and negative charges balance to form neutral compounds.
5. Check the formulas and charges of the resulting compounds to confirm which correctly represents the ionic compound formed from magnesium chloride and sodium sulfate.