2X + 2HCl → 2XCl + H\(_2\) In the equation above, X is

Answer Details

The equation is:

\[2\text{X} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow 2\text{XCl} + \text{H}_2\]

The product formed is XCl, which tells us that element X combines with chlorine in a 1:1 ratio. This means X has a valency of +1 and forms a monovalent chloride.

Examining the options:

• K (potassium): Group 1 element with a valency of +1. It forms KCl. The equation becomes \(2\text{K} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow 2\text{KCl} + \text{H}_2\), which balances correctly.
• Mg (magnesium): Group 2 element with a valency of +2. It forms MgCl₂, not MgCl. Does not match.
• Ca (calcium): Group 2 element with a valency of +2. It forms CaCl₂, not CaCl. Does not match.
• Ba (barium): Group 2 element with a valency of +2. It forms BaCl₂, not BaCl. Does not match.

Only potassium (K) has a valency of +1 and forms a chloride with the formula XCl, making it the correct identity of X.