* Identify the elements: Calcium chloride is composed of calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl).
* Determine the charges:
* Calcium is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it forms a +2 ion (Ca²⁺).
* Chlorine is in group 17 of the periodic table, so it forms a -1 ion (Cl⁻).
* Balance the charges: To achieve a neutral compound, you need two chlorine ions (2 x -1 = -2) to balance the +2 charge of the calcium ion.
* Write the formula: Since you need two chloride ions, the formula becomes CaCl₂.
