A current of 2.0 amps passed through a molten solution of the salt MCl₂ for a period of 30 minutes produces 1.32 g of Cl₂ gas and 0.453 g of M. Which of the following metals is present in this compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the molar mass of Cl₂ is 70.9 g/mol, and the molar mass of M is 45.3 g/mol. The number of moles of Cl₂ produced is 1.32 g / 70.9 g/mol = 0.0186 mol. The number of moles of M produced is 0.453 g / 45.3 g/mol = 0.01 mol. The ratio of moles of Cl₂ to moles of M is 0.0186 mol / 0.01 mol = 1.86. This ratio is closest to the ratio of 2:1, which is the ratio of moles of Cl₂ to moles of M in MgCl₂.

A Current of 2