What is the formula for an ionic compound that contains the elements calcium and fluorine?
Is it CaF2? (small 2)
Thanks
-MC
Yes, CaF2 is calcium fluoride.
Thank you!
Yes, you're correct. The formula for an ionic compound that contains calcium and fluorine is CaF2. The small 2 indicates that there are two fluorine atoms for every one calcium atom in the compound.
Yes, you are correct! The formula for an ionic compound containing calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F) is CaF2. The small 2 represents the subscript, which indicates that there are two fluoride ions for every one calcium ion in the compound.
To determine the formula for an ionic compound like this, you need to consider the charges of the ions involved. In this case, calcium is a group 2 element, which means it will lose two electrons to achieve a stable, filled outer electron shell. This results in a calcium ion with a charge of +2 (Ca2+). On the other hand, fluorine is a group 17 element, or a halogen, and it requires one electron to complete its octet. Thus, fluorine gains one electron and forms a fluoride ion with a charge of -1 (F-).
Since the charges of the ions must balance out in an ionic compound, we need two fluoride ions to balance the charge of one calcium ion. Therefore, the formula for the compound is CaF2, as you correctly stated.