Question

the term \3 fecl₂\ in a balanced equation says
a that there are three iron(ii) ions and two chloride ions bonded together.
b that there are three iron(ii) ions and 6 chloride ions bonded together.
c that there are three formula units, each consisting of two chloride ions bonded to an iron(ii) ion.
d that there are three particles, each consisting of three iron atoms and 6 chlorine atoms.

Explanation:

• In \(FeCl_{2}\), iron has a +2 charge (\(Fe^{2+}\)) and chloride has a -1 charge (\(Cl^{-}\)). To balance the charges, for each \(Fe^{2+}\) ion, there are 2 \(Cl^{-}\) ions.
• The coefficient 3 in \(3FeCl_{2}\) indicates that there are 3 formula units of \(FeCl_{2}\). Each formula unit consists of one \(Fe^{2+}\) ion (iron(II) ion) and 2 \(Cl^{-}\) ions (chloride ions).

Answer:

C. that there are three formula units, each consisting of two chloride ions bonded to an iron(II) ion.