What happens when the compound hcl is formed?
A hydrogen transfers two electrons to chlorine.
B hydrogen receives two electrons from chlorine.
C hydrogen forms an ion with −1 charge; chlorine forms an ion with 1 charge.
D hydrogen forms an ion with 1 charge; chlorine forms an ion with −1 charge.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D: hydrogen forms an ion with a 1 charge; chlorine forms an ion with a −1 charge.
Explanation:
When hydrogen chloride (HCl) is formed, it involves the interaction between a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom. Hydrogen has one electron in its outer shell and can achieve a stable electron configuration by losing this electron, while chlorine has seven electrons in its outer shell and requires one additional electron to complete its octet.
- Ion Formation:
- Hydrogen (H): When hydrogen loses its single electron, it becomes a hydrogen ion (H⁺) with a positive charge of +1.
- Chlorine (Cl): When chlorine gains an electron from hydrogen, it completes its octet and becomes a chloride ion (Cl⁻) with a negative charge of -1.
- Electron Transfer:
- This electron transfer occurs because of the significant difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and chlorine. Chlorine is much more electronegative and attracts the electron from hydrogen. The process can be represented as:
[
\text{H} \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + e^- \quad \text{(Hydrogen loses an electron)}
]
[
\text{Cl} + e^- \rightarrow \text{Cl}^- \quad \text{(Chlorine gains an electron)}
]
- Ionic Bonding:
- The resulting ions, H⁺ and Cl⁻, are oppositely charged and attract each other, forming an ionic bond. This bond results in the formation of the compound HCl.
- Molecular Structure:
- In the gaseous state, HCl exists as discrete molecules consisting of one hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one chlorine atom. The transfer of the electron leads to a polar covalent bond, where the shared electrons are drawn closer to the chlorine atom due to its higher electronegativity.
In summary, in the formation of HCl, hydrogen loses one electron to become H⁺, and chlorine gains that electron to become Cl⁻, resulting in a stable ionic compound.