To solve the problem step by step, we will follow the process of determining the value of \( x \) in the salt \( MF_x \) formed by the metal \( M \) and fluorine.
### Step 1: Identify Given Data
- Molar mass of metal \( M = 96 \, \text{g/mol} \)
- Mass of the salt \( = 9.18 \, \text{g} \)
- Mass of water (solvent) \( = 100 \, \text{g} \)
- Boiling point elevation constant \( K_b = 0.512 \, \text{°C kg/mol} \)
- Boiling point of the solution \( T_b = 374.38 \, \text{K} \)
### Step 2: Calculate the Change in Boiling Point (\( \Delta T_b \))
The change in boiling point is given by:
\[
\Delta T_b = T_b - T_{b, \text{pure water}}
\]
Where \( T_{b, \text{pure water}} = 373 \, \text{K} \) (100 °C).
\[
\Delta T_b = 374.38 \, \text{K} - 373 \, \text{K} = 1.38 \, \text{K}
\]
### Step 3: Use the Boiling Point Elevation Formula
The formula for boiling point elevation is:
\[
\Delta T_b = i \cdot K_b \cdot m
\]
Where:
- \( i \) is the van 't Hoff factor (which is 1 for complete dissociation),
- \( K_b \) is the ebullioscopic constant,
- \( m \) is the molality of the solution.
### Step 4: Rearrange the Formula to Find Molality (\( m \))
Substituting the known values:
\[
1.38 = 1 \cdot 0.512 \cdot m
\]
\[
m = \frac{1.38}{0.512} \approx 2.695 \, \text{mol/kg}
\]
### Step 5: Calculate the Number of Moles of Salt
Molality (\( m \)) is defined as:
\[
m = \frac{\text{number of moles of solute}}{\text{mass of solvent in kg}}
\]
The mass of the solvent is \( 100 \, \text{g} = 0.1 \, \text{kg} \).
Thus,
\[
2.695 = \frac{n}{0.1}
\]
\[
n = 2.695 \times 0.1 = 0.2695 \, \text{mol}
\]
### Step 6: Relate Moles of Salt to Molar Mass
Let the molar mass of the salt \( MF_x \) be \( M_s = 96 + 18x \).
The number of moles of the salt is given by:
\[
n = \frac{\text{mass of salt}}{\text{molar mass of salt}} = \frac{9.18}{96 + 18x}
\]
Setting this equal to the number of moles calculated:
\[
0.2695 = \frac{9.18}{96 + 18x}
\]
### Step 7: Solve for \( x \)
Cross-multiplying gives:
\[
0.2695(96 + 18x) = 9.18
\]
Expanding:
\[
25.8912 + 4.851x = 9.18
\]
Rearranging:
\[
4.851x = 9.18 - 25.8912
\]
\[
4.851x = -16.7112
\]
\[
x \approx 4
\]
### Conclusion
Thus, the value of \( x \) in the salt \( MF_x \) is \( 4 \), and the salt can be represented as \( MF_4 \).