Here's why:

* Empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.

* The molecular formula S₂Cl₂ tells us there are 2 sulfur (S) atoms and 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms.

* To find the empirical formula, we need to simplify this ratio. Both 2 and 2 are divisible by 2.

* Dividing both subscripts by 2 gives us S₁Cl₁, which is simplified to SCl.