Question

An element ‘M’ with electronic configuration 2 8 3 combines separately with Cl^-, `"SO"_4^-2` anions. Write the chemical formulae of the compounds formed. Predict with the suitable reason the nature of the bond formed by element ‘M’ in general. How will the electrical conductivity of the compounds formed vary with respect to ‘M’?

Answer 1

• MCl₃; M₂(SO₄)₃
• M in general forms an Ionic bond. It can acquire a stable electronic configuration of neon (2, 8) by losing its three valence electrons to form M³⁺ cation.
• Compounds formed will conduct electricity in liquid/molten state but not in solid state in contrast to ‘M’.