The formula of chloride of a corresponding metal is `MCl_2`. What is the valency of the metal?

Options

A. 4
B. 3
C. 1
D. 2

Answer

To determine the valency of the metal in the compound \( MCl_2 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compound**: The given compound is \( MCl_2 \), where \( M \) represents the metal and \( Cl \) represents chlorine.

2. **Determine the Valency of Chlorine**: Chlorine typically has a valency of -1. This means that each chlorine atom can combine with one positive charge.

3. **Set Up the Equation**: In the compound \( MCl_2 \), there are two chlorine atoms. Therefore, the total negative charge contributed by chlorine is:
\[ \text{Total charge from Cl} = 2 \times (-1) = -2 \]

4. **Determine the Charge of the Metal**: Let the valency of the metal \( M \) be \( x \). Since the compound is neutral overall, the positive charge from the metal must balance the negative charge from the chlorine:
\[ x + (-2) = 0 \]

5. **Solve for \( x \)**: Rearranging the equation gives:
\[ x = 2 \]

6. **Conclusion**: The valency of the metal \( M \) is 2.

### Final Answer:
The valency of the metal is 2.