A compound contains an unknown ion X and has the formula XCl₂. Ion X contains 20 electrons. What is the identity of X?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound is XCl, which means X is in a +1 charge state because Cl has a -1 charge. An element with 20 electrons in its neutral state is calcium (Ca), which has 20 protons. However, when it loses one electron to become +1 charged, it would have 19 electrons, not matching the given condition. The correct answer is Ti (titanium), which in its neutral state has 22 electrons. When it loses two electrons to form Ti^2+, it still has too many electrons. However, the question seems to have a mistake in the charge descriptions provided in the options, making it confusing. Given the options, Ti in a +1 state (which is not common or stable) would have 21 electrons, not matching the given information. None of the options correctly match the scenario of having 20 electrons with a +1 charge based on common oxidation states. The explanation assumes a typo in the question or options, as none directly match the scenario described. However, based on common oxidation states and the closest match to the provided scenario, Ti (titanium) would be the best guess, assuming it could exist in a +1 oxidation state for the purpose of this question.

A Compound Contains an Unknown Ion X and Has the Formula