To determine the correct formula for copper(II) chloride, let's follow these steps:
1. Identify the elements involved: Copper(II) chloride is composed of copper (Cu) and chlorine (Cl).
2. Determine the oxidation state of copper: The Roman numeral II in copper(II) chloride indicates that copper has an oxidation state of +2.
3. Determine the usual charge of chlorine ions: Chlorine typically forms a chloride ion with a charge of -1.
4. Balance the charges to form a neutral compound:
- Since copper has a +2 charge (Cu²⁺) and chloride has a -1 charge (Cl⁻), you need two chloride ions to balance the charge of one copper ion.
- This results in the chemical formula: CuCl₂.
Thus, the correct formula for copper(II) chloride is [tex]\( CuCl_2 \)[/tex].
