Write a formula for each of the following ionic compounds. copper(II) chloride Express your answer as a chemical formula.
Write a formula for each of the following ionic compounds.
copper(II) chloride Express your answer as a chemical formula.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The chemical formula for copper(II) chloride is CuCl₂.
Explanation:
- Understanding the elements involved:
- Copper (Cu) is a transition metal, and it can form different charges depending on the compound. In this case, copper(II) refers to copper with a +2 charge.
- Chlorine (Cl) is a halogen element and typically forms an ion with a -1 charge (as chloride, Cl⁻).
- Determining the charges:
- Copper(II) means copper has a charge of +2 (Cu²⁺).
- Chlorine forms chloride ions with a charge of -1 (Cl⁻).
- Balancing the charges:
- For an ionic compound to be neutral overall, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge.
- In copper(II) chloride, we have one copper ion (Cu²⁺) and need two chloride ions (Cl⁻) to balance the +2 charge from copper:
- Cu²⁺ + 2Cl⁻ = 0 net charge
- Writing the formula:
- We use subscripts to indicate the number of each type of ion needed to balance the charges. Since two chloride ions are required to balance the single copper ion, the formula becomes CuCl₂.
- Ionic bond formation:
- Copper donates two electrons to form the Cu²⁺ ion, and each chlorine atom gains one electron to form two Cl⁻ ions. These oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic forces, forming the ionic compound CuCl₂.
Thus, CuCl₂ is the correct formula for copper(II) chloride. This formula reflects the charge balance between the copper and chloride ions, ensuring the overall neutrality of the compound.