Question

A metal sulphate has the formula MSO${}_4$. A chloride of the same metal will have the formula__________.

• A. $M_{2}C{l}_3$
• B. $M_{2}Cl$
• C. $MC{l}_2$
• D. $MCl$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $MC{l}_2$

A metal sulphate has the formula MSO${}_4$. Sulphate ion (SO${}_4^{2-}$) has $-2$ charge. Hence, metal ion has $+2$ charge

$M^{2+}+$ SO${}_4^{2-}=MS{O}_4$

Chloride ion ($C{l}^{-}$) has $-1$ charge. To maintain electrical neutrality, one metal ion will combine with two chloride ions. A chloride of the same metal will have the formula $MC{l}_2$.