Consider the formula of the compound, calcium chloride. Select all the statements that apply to this image.
a) A covalent compound is formed
b) Chlorine becomes a negative ion
c) The chemical formula is CaCl2
d) Calcium transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms
e) The subscript 2, is used to balance the charges
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
To analyze the compound calcium chloride (CaCl₂), let’s evaluate the provided statements:
Correct Answers:
- b) Chlorine becomes a negative ion
- c) The chemical formula is CaCl₂
- d) Calcium transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms
- e) The subscript 2 is used to balance the charges
Incorrect Answer:
- a) A covalent compound is formed
Explanation:
Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is an ionic compound formed from the combination of calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl) atoms. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each statement:
a) A covalent compound is formed: This statement is incorrect. Calcium chloride is primarily an ionic compound, not covalent. Ionic compounds are formed when one atom transfers electrons to another, leading to the formation of positive and negative ions. In this case, calcium, which is a metal, transfers electrons to chlorine, which is a nonmetal.
b) Chlorine becomes a negative ion: This statement is correct. When chlorine atoms gain electrons (each chlorine atom gains one electron), they become negatively charged ions (Cl⁻).
c) The chemical formula is CaCl₂: This statement is correct. The formula indicates that one calcium ion (Ca²⁺) combines with two chloride ions (Cl⁻) to form calcium chloride, reflecting the ratio needed to balance the charges.
d) Calcium transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms: This statement is also correct. Calcium, with a tendency to lose two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration (similar to noble gases), transfers these electrons to two chlorine atoms, forming Ca²⁺ ions.
e) The subscript 2 is used to balance the charges: This statement is correct. The calcium ion has a +2 charge, and each chloride ion has a -1 charge. Therefore, two chloride ions are required to balance the +2 charge from one calcium ion, resulting in the formula CaCl₂.
In summary, the nature of the bond between calcium and chlorine in calcium chloride is ionic, characterized by the transfer of electrons and the formation of charged ions, leading to a stable compound with the formula CaCl₂.