Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for strontium chloride?

• A. SrCl
• B. SrCl2
• C. Sr2Cl
• D. Sr2Cl2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charges of the ions involved: Strontium (Sr) is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2, so it forms a cation with a charge of +2, written as \(\mathrm{Sr^{2+}}\).
2. Chloride (Cl) is a halogen and forms an anion with a charge of -1, written as \(\mathrm{Cl^-}\).
3. To write the correct formula for strontium chloride, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
4. Since strontium has a +2 charge and chloride has a -1 charge, you need two chloride ions to balance one strontium ion, resulting in the formula \(\mathrm{SrCl_2}\).
5. Verify that the total positive charge (+2 from Sr) equals the total negative charge (2 × -1 from Cl), confirming the formula \(\mathrm{SrCl_2}\) is correct.