Which calculation correctly determines the formula unit mass of CaCl2?
- AOption (a)
Atomic mass of Ca + (atomic mass of Cl ÷ 2) = 40 + 17.75 = 57.75 u
- BOption (b)
Atomic mass of Ca + atomic mass of Cl = 40 + 35.5 = 75.5 u
- COption (c)
Atomic mass of Ca × atomic mass of Cl = 40 × 35.5 = 1420 u
- DOption (d)
Atomic mass of Ca + (2 × atomic mass of Cl) = 40 + 71 = 111 u
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Correct answer
Atomic mass of Ca + (2 × atomic mass of Cl) = 40 + 71 = 111 u
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Atomic mass of Ca + (2 times atomic mass of Cl) = 40 + 71 = 111 u.
Key Points
- The formula unit mass of a substance is defined as the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms present in the formula unit of an ionic compound. It is numerically equivalent to molecular mass but used specifically for compounds composed of ions.
- In the chemical formula for Calcium Chloride (CaCl2), there is one atom of Calcium (Ca) and two atoms of Chlorine (Cl).
- The atomic mass of Calcium (Ca) is approximately 40 u. Calcium is a group 2 alkaline earth metal with an atomic number of 20.
- The atomic mass of Chlorine (Cl) is approximately 35.5 u. This fractional value is the weighted average of its naturally occurring isotopes, Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37.
- To calculate the formula unit mass, the mass of Ca is added to twice the mass of Cl: 40 + (2 × 35.5).
- Multiplying the mass of Chlorine by two gives 71 u. Adding this to the 40 u of Calcium results in a total of 111 u.
Additional Information
- Calcium (Ca):
- It is an essential alkaline earth metal used in construction, cement production, and biological functions like bone mineralization.
- In CaCl2, it exists as a Ca2+ cation.
- Chlorine (Cl):
- It is a highly reactive halogen found in Group 17 of the periodic table.
- In CaCl2, it exists as two Cl− anions to balance the charge of the calcium ion.
- Unified Atomic Mass Unit (u):
- The unit u represents the unified atomic mass unit, where 1 u is exactly 1/12th the mass of an atom of Carbon-12.
- It is approximately equal to 1.66 × 10−27 kg.
- Stoichiometry and Bonding:
- Calcium Chloride is an ionic compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
- The formula CaCl2 represents the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in the crystal lattice.