Lesson: Chapter 10 — Chemical Bonds

10.1. Ionic bonds 5 of 10 Reset answers

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Question 5

A calcium ion carries a charge of +2 and a chloride ion −1. What is the formula of calcium chloride?

A Ca₂Cl B CaCl₂ C CaCl D Ca₂Cl₂

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CaCl₂. The compound must be electrically neutral overall, so the single +2 has to be balanced by two chloride ions at −1 each.

CaCl would leave a net charge of +1. Ca₂Cl reverses the ratio and leaves +3. Ca₂Cl₂ balances nothing and, in any case, a formula gives the simplest ratio of ions.

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