Chapter SH, Problem 18.2APP

To determine

To show: The sum of positive and negative charges in a unit of calcium chloride ( ${\text{CaCl}}_2$ ) equals zero.

Explanation of Solution

Given data:

The charge on a calcium ion is $2+$

The charge on a chlorine ion is $1-$

Calculation:

As per the problem,

One unit of ${\text{CaCl}}_2$ contains one atom of calcium and two atoms of chlorine.

The charge on a chlorine ion is $2+$ and the charge of two chlorine ions is $(1-\times 2)=2-$

Therefore, the total charge on the compound, that is, the sum of positive and negative charges is

  $(2+)+(2-)=0$

Hence, the compound is neutral.

Conclusion:

The sum of positive and negative charges in a unit of calcium chloride ( ${\text{CaCl}}_2$ ) is zero, that is, the compound is neutral.