Question

An oxide of chlorine with water gives the strongest acid. The ratio of chlorine and oxygen in its formula is:

• A. 2:1
• B. 1:2
• C. 2:7
• D. 1:3

Hint:

For chlorinated oxides, the molecular formula of the acid formed can help determine the ratio of chlorine to oxygen in its compound.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identifying the strongest acid formed.
When chlorine oxides react with water, they form different acids. Among them, the strongest acid is \(\text{HClO}_4\), known as perchloric acid.
Step 2: Analyzing the formula of perchloric acid.
The chemical formula of perchloric acid is \(\text{HClO}_4\). This formula tells us that for each chlorine atom (Cl), there are four oxygen atoms (O), and one hydrogen atom (H).
Step 3: Determining the ratio of chlorine to oxygen.
In the formula \(\text{HClO}_4\), the ratio of chlorine (Cl) to oxygen (O) is: \[ \text{Chlorine : Oxygen} = 1 : 4 \] However, since we are looking for the strongest acid and the acid formed with the maximum chlorine and oxygen ratio is \(\text{HClO}_4\), the formula reveals the highest ratio is 2:7 in another context, for example, in other chlorine-oxygen compounds. Thus, the ratio of chlorine to oxygen in the strongest acid formula is 2:7.