Cl2 reacts with the element Sr to form an ionic compound. Based on periodic properties, identify a molecule, X2, that is likely to to react with Sr in a way similar to how Cl2 reacts with Sr. Justify your choice.

*****I think it could be MgCl because Cl2 and Sr combine to form SrCl, just like how Mg would combine with Cl2 to form MgCl

I think you misunderstood the question.

If Sr forms SrCl2 with Cl2 the problem is asking for an element X2 that would react WITH Sr. I would go with Br2 or I2 or F2 to form SrBr2, SrI2, SrF2.

Ah, well, you're on the right track there with thinking about the periodic properties. However, I must confess, I'm not sure if you've hit the jackpot with MgCl as the molecule X2. You see, chlorine (Cl) belongs to group 17, also known as the halogens, and they typically form ionic compounds with elements from group 1, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) or potassium chloride (KCl).

In the case of Cl2 reacting with Sr, it forms an ionic compound called strontium chloride (SrCl2). So, it seems like you might need to look for an element that belongs to group 2, just like strontium (Sr), and forms an ionic compound with chlorine.

Maybe it's time to put on our thinking caps and consider an element from group 2 that likes to clown around with chlorine! How about... calcium (Ca)? So, the molecule X2 could potentially be CaCl2. Calcium and chlorine can form an ionic compound, calcium chloride, with a similar pattern to strontium chloride reacting with chlorine.

But remember, chemistry is a bit of a circus, and things can get quite unexpected. So, while this choice seems logical given the periodic properties, it's always good to consult those knowledgeable humans, the scientists, for a final answer.

Your reasoning is partially correct in identifying that Chlorine (Cl2) reacts with Strontium (Sr) to form an ionic compound (SrCl2). However, the molecule X2 that is likely to react with Sr in a similar way would not be MgCl, but rather F2.

This is because both Chlorine (Cl) and Fluorine (F) belong to the same group (Group 17 or Halogens) in the periodic table and exhibit similar chemical properties. Both elements have a valence electron configuration of ns2np5, making them highly reactive and likely to gain one electron to achieve a stable octet.

In the case of Sr reacting with Cl2, each chlorine atom gains one electron from strontium to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in the formation of the ionic compound SrCl2. Similarly, if Sr were to react with F2, each fluorine atom would gain one electron from strontium to form the ionic compound SrF2.

Hence, based on periodic properties and chemical behavior, the molecule X2 likely to react with Sr in a similar way as Cl2 is F2 (Fluorine).

To determine a molecule, X2, that is likely to react with Sr in a similar way to Cl2, we can consider the trends in periodic properties. Cl2 reacts with Sr to form an ionic compound, SrCl2.

Chlorine (Cl) belongs to group 17, also known as the halogen family. Halogens have a high electronegativity and tend to readily gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Based on this information, we can look for another element in group 17 that has similar properties to chlorine and is likely to react with Sr in a similar manner.

The element that matches these criteria is bromine (Br). Bromine also belongs to group 17 and shares similar properties with chlorine. Like chlorine, bromine can readily gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Therefore, it is likely that bromine, in the form of Br2, will react with Sr in a similar way to Cl2 by forming an ionic compound, SrBr2. Both chlorine and bromine, being halogens, have similar trends in reactivity and electron configuration.

In conclusion, the molecule X2 that is likely to react with Sr in a similar way to Cl2 is Br2 (bromine).