Question

Ca + Cl2 --> The reactants are shown. How many chlorine (Cl) atoms must be present in the product that forms from this reaction?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer 1

The reaction between calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl2) requires two chlorine atoms to form calcium chloride (CaCl2), meaning the correct answer is b) 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction between calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl₂) to form a product will require two chlorine atoms to fully react with one calcium atom. This is because calcium typically forms an ionic compound with a +2 charge (Ca²⁺), and each chlorine atom has a -1 charge.

To balance the charges, two chlorine atoms are needed for each calcium atom, resulting in the formation of calcium chloride, CaCl₂.

Therefore, the correct answer is b) 2 chlorine atoms must be present in the product.