In the Dow process (Fig. 21-13), the starting material is Mg²⁺ in seawater and the final product is Mg metal. This process seems to violate the principle of conservation of charge. Does it? Explain.

Figure 21-13

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Seawater containing Mg2+ Ca(OH)2 Precipitation Mg²+ + 2 OH- Evaporation Mg2+ (aq) + 2 CI (aq) Mg(OH)2 (s) MgCl₂(aq) MgCl, MgCl₂(s) molten Mg(OH)₂ Electrolysis Mg²+ + 2 CI- HCI Product Mg Mg(1) + Cl₂(g) HCI Dissolving Mg(OH)₂(s) + 2 H+ + 2 CI¯ Mg2+ + 2 C1 + 2 H₂O HCI production Chg 2 Ch₂(g) + 2 H₂O(g) Ch₂(g) 1 4 HCl(g) + O₂(g)