Problem 6 - Chemistry Central Science

Question

An element \(X\) reacts with \(\mathrm{F}_{2}(g)\) to form the molecular product shown below. (a) Write a balanced equation for this reaction (do not worry about the phases for \(X\) and the product). (b) Do you think that \(X\) is a metal or nonmetal? Explain. [Section 7.6]

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) The balanced equation for the reaction is \(X + F_{2} \rightarrow XF_{2}\). (b) Element X is likely a nonmetal since it forms a molecular substance (XF₂) when reacting with F₂(g).

Step 1: Identify the product formed in the reaction

Since we're looking for a molecular product formed between element X and F₂, we may assume that one molecule of X reacts with one molecule of F₂. The molecular product will be of the form XF₂.

Step 2: Write a balanced equation for the reaction

Now that we know the product is XF₂, we can write a balanced equation for the reaction. Since one molecule of X reacts with one molecule of F₂, the balanced equation will be: \(X + F_{2} \rightarrow XF_{2}\) The equation is balanced because the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

Step 3: Determine whether X is a metal or nonmetal

To decide whether X is a metal or nonmetal, let's look at some general properties of metals and nonmetals reacting with F₂. - Metals: When metals react with F₂, they usually form ionic compounds (due to the transfer of electrons from metals to F₂). These ionic compounds have a metal cation and a fluoride anion, and they are generally represented as MX (X is the metal, and a single charged ion F exists). - Nonmetals: When nonmetals react with F₂, they tend to form covalent compounds, as both elements use their shared electrons to complete their octet rule, resulting in the formation of molecular substances. Since the product formed in the reaction here is XF₂ (a molecular substance), it is likely that element X is a nonmetal. So, based on our analysis, we can conclude that element X is a nonmetal.

Step 4: Final answers

(a) The balanced equation for the reaction is \(X + F_{2} \rightarrow XF_{2}\). (b) Element X is likely a nonmetal since it forms a molecular substance (XF₂) when reacting with F₂(g).