An element 'P' has atomic number 56. What will be the formula of its halide?

Options

A. PX
B. `PX_2`
C. `PX_3`
D. `P_2X_3`

Answer

To determine the formula of the halide for the element 'P' with atomic number 56, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Element
The atomic number 56 corresponds to the element Barium (Ba).

### Step 2: Determine the Group of the Element
Barium is located in Group 2 of the periodic table, which is known as the alkaline earth metals.

### Step 3: Determine the Valency
Elements in Group 2 typically have a valency of +2. This means that Barium can lose two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

### Step 4: Identify the Halogen
Halogens are found in Group 17 of the periodic table. The common halogens include Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I).

### Step 5: Determine the Formula of the Halide
Since Barium has a +2 charge, and halogens typically have a -1 charge, the formula for the halide will involve two halide ions for every one Barium ion. Therefore, the general formula for the halide of Barium will be \( \text{BaX}_2 \), where X represents the halogen.

### Step 6: Write the Final Formula
Thus, the formula of the halide for the element 'P' (Barium) can be represented as \( \text{BaX}_2 \), where X can be any halogen (e.g., \( \text{BaCl}_2 \) for Barium Chloride).

### Final Answer
The formula of the halide for the element with atomic number 56 (Barium) is \( \text{BaX}_2 \).

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