Question

A metal (M) forms an oxide with the formula M${}_2$O. What will be the formula of its chloride?

• A. MCl${}_2$
• B. MCl
• C. M${}_2$Cl
• D. M${}_2$Cl${}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is B MCl

According to the given chemical formula of the oxide, M${}_2$O, 2 atoms of a metal M combine with 1 atom of oxygen. As the valency of oxygen is two, hence, the valency of the metal M would be one.
Now, the valency of Cl is 1. Thus, the chemical formula of the chloride of metal M is MCl.