What is the equivalent weight of Calcium Chloride?

The equivalent weight of a compound is defined as the mass of the compound that will combine with or replace one mole of hydrogen ions (H+) or one mole of electrons. In simple terms, it tells us how much of a substance is required to react with a specific amount of another substance.

Step-by-Step Calculation of Equivalent Weight of Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂)

Let's break down the calculation process for determining the equivalent weight of Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂):

1. Determine the Molecular Weight of CaCl₂:
   The molecular weight of Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) is calculated by adding the atomic weights of its constituent elements. Calcium (Ca) has an atomic weight of approximately 40 g/mol, and chlorine (Cl) has an atomic weight of approximately 35.5 g/mol. So, the molecular weight of CaCl₂ is:
   40 + (2 * 35.5) = 40 + 71 = 110 g/mol
2. Find the Valency of Calcium (Ca):
   Calcium (Ca) has a valency of 2 because it tends to lose two electrons to form a +2 ion (Ca²⁺).
3. Calculate the Equivalent Weight:
   The formula for calculating the equivalent weight is:
   Equivalent Weight = Molecular Weight / Valency
   Therefore, substituting the values into the formula:
   Equivalent Weight = 110 g/mol / 2 = 55 g/mol

Conclusion

The equivalent weight of Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) is calculated to be 55 g/mol. This means that 55 grams of Calcium Chloride will react with one mole of hydrogen ions or electrons in a chemical reaction.