What is produced when calcium reacts with fluorine in a synthesis reaction?
[tex]Ca + F _2 \rightarrow[/tex] ?
A. [tex]CaF[/tex]
B. [tex]CaF _4[/tex]
C. [tex]2CaF[/tex]
D. [tex]CaF _2[/tex]
Answer (1)
Calcium (Ca) reacts with fluorine (F) in a synthesis reaction.
Calcium forms a +2 ion ( C a 2 + ), and fluorine forms a -1 ion ( F − ).
Two fluoride ions are needed to balance the charge of one calcium ion, resulting in C a F 2 .
The product of the reaction is calcium fluoride: C a F 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the Reaction When calcium (Ca) reacts with fluorine (F) in a synthesis reaction, we need to determine the correct chemical formula for the resulting compound.
Determining Ion Charges Calcium is an alkaline earth metal, and it typically forms a +2 ion ( C a 2 + ). Fluorine is a halogen, and it typically forms a -1 ion ( F − ).
Balancing Charges To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance. Therefore, we need two fluoride ions ( F − ) to balance the charge of one calcium ion ( C a 2 + ). This gives us the chemical formula C a F 2 .
Writing the Balanced Equation The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is: C a + F 2 → C a F 2
Final Answer Therefore, the product of the reaction between calcium and fluorine is calcium fluoride, which has the chemical formula C a F 2 .
Examples
Calcium fluoride ( C a F 2 ) is used in the production of hydrofluoric acid and also as a flux in metallurgy. Understanding synthesis reactions like this helps in designing new materials and chemical processes. For example, if you want to create a specific compound with desired properties, you need to know how different elements react with each other and what products they will form. In this case, knowing that calcium and fluorine react to form C a F 2 allows you to predict and control the outcome of the reaction.
