Question

Element M forms a chloride with formula MCl3. Element M would be most likely in the same group of periodic table as:

Answer 1

Aluminium i guess.....

Answer 2

Answer: The element M belongs to Group 13 of the periodic table.

Explanation:

We are given a chemical compound having formula of $MCl_3$

The oxidation state of chlorine is -1.

The oxidation state of element M will be:

$x+3(-1)=0\\x=+3$

As, the oxidation state of element M is coming out to be +3, this means that element M must belong to Group 13 of the periodic table.

The general electronic configuration of group 13 element is $ns^2np^1$

They will loose 3 electrons to attain an oxidation state of +3.

Hence, the element M belongs to Group 13 of the periodic table.