Victoria finds that a compound contains an unknown ion X and has the formula XCl. Ion X contains 18 electrons. What is the identity of X? Explain briefly.

Question

Explain briefly.

Answer 1

Since Cl has a -1 charge, X must be +1.

Since it contains 18 electrons and has a +1 charge, it must normally have 19 electrons. This would be potassium (K). So, the compound is KCl.