Question

what is the formula of the ionic compound that forms from gallium and chlorine? view available hint(s) gacl gacl₂ gacl₃ clga

Explanation:

Step1: Determine gallium's charge

Gallium (Ga) is in group 13, so it forms a \(+3\) ion (\(Ga^{3+}\)).

Step2: Determine chlorine's charge

Chlorine (Cl) is in group 17, so it forms a \(-1\) ion (\(Cl^-\)).

Step3: Balance charges

To balance the charges, we need 3 \(Cl^-\) ions to balance 1 \(Ga^{3+}\) ion (since \(3\times(-1) + 1\times(+3) = 0\)).

Step4: Write the formula

The formula is \(GaCl_3\) (cation first, then anion, with subscripts to balance charges).

Answer:

C. \(GaCl_3\)