Question

If a binary metal halide whose `%Cl` is `60.68%`, what is the likely salt?

Answer 1

We are given `MCl`, where chloride content is `60.68%` by mass....we gots sodium metal.....

Explanation:

So we solve for the atomic mass of `M`.....

`60.68%=(35.5*g)/("Formula mass of salt, g")xx100%`

`"Formula mass of salt"=(35.5*g)/(0.6068)=58.5*g`

But because there is ONE CHLORIDE, we know that the formula mass of the metal is.....

`M_"mass"=(58.5-35.45)*g=23.0*g`

And a quick glance at the Periodic Table tells us that the metal is likely to be sodium, i.e. `22.99*g*mol^-1`.

Capisce?