what is the balanced equation for xenon gas reacting with fluorine gas?
To find the balanced equation for the reaction between xenon gas (Xe) and fluorine gas (F₂), we need to consider their valence electrons and their oxidation states.
Xenon belongs to the noble gas family and has eight valence electrons. It is in group 18, so its oxidation state is 0.
Fluorine belongs to group 17 and has seven valence electrons. It is highly electronegative and tends to gain one electron to achieve a stable octet. Therefore, its oxidation state is -1.
Given these oxidation states, we now combine the two elements to form a balanced equation.
First, determine the number of xenon and fluorine atoms needed to balance the reaction:
Xenon (Xe): 1 atom
Fluorine (F₂): 2 atoms
To balance the equation, we can write:
Xe + F₂ -> XeF₂
The equation is now balanced, with one xenon atom reacting with two fluorine atoms to form xenon difluoride.
Note that it's important to double-check the equation to ensure that the number of atoms and charges are balanced on both sides of the reaction.