Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for silicon tetrachloride?

• A. SiCl2
• B. SiCl4
• C. Si2Cl4
• D. Si4Cl

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the naming convention: 'Silicon tetrachloride' indicates one silicon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms. The prefix 'tetra-' means four.
2. Recall that the chemical formula represents the number of atoms of each element in the compound. 'Silicon tetrachloride' should have one silicon (Si) atom and four chlorine (Cl) atoms.
3. Write the formula by placing the symbol for silicon first (Si), followed by the symbol for chlorine (Cl) with the subscript 4 to indicate four chlorine atoms: \(SiCl_4\).
4. Check the other options to see if they match the naming: \(SiCl_2\) has only two chlorines, \(Si_2Cl_4\) has two silicons, and \(Si_4Cl\) has four silicons and one chlorine, so these do not match the name.
5. Conclude that the correct formula for silicon tetrachloride is \(SiCl_4\).