Answer:
The combining capacity or power of iron in FeCl3 is +3
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining capacity or power of an atom of an element is the charge which that atom possesses when it combines with other atoms to form compounds. It is also known as valency or valence.
To determine the combining capacity of iron in FeCl3, the following steps are followed:
1. Group 7 elements have a combining capacity of -1, therefore, the combining capacity of Chlorine in FeCl3 is -1
2. The sum of oxidation numbers of a neutral compound is zero, therefore, Fe + 3 × Cl = 0
Let, the combining capacity of Iron be y.
y + (-1 × 3) = 0
y - 3 = 0
y = +3
Therefore, the combining capacity of iron in FeCl3 is +3