QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Fluorine and Nitrogen react to form a covalent molecule. Which best describes the molecule they will make?
A. There are 3 Nitrogens and 1 Fluorine. Nitrogen will be the central atom.
B. There are 3 Fluorines and 1 Nitrogen. Fluorine will be the central atom.
C. There are 3 Nitrogens and 1 Fluorine. Fluorine will be the central atom.
D. There are 3 Fluorines and 1 Nitrogen. Nitrogen will be the central atom."
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Determine the valence electrons for Fluorine and Nitrogen
- Fluorine (F): Group 17, 7 valence electrons - Nitrogen (N): Group 15, 5 valence electrons
Step 3:: Calculate total valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$7 + 5 = 12$$ electrons
- Fluorine has 7 valence electrons - Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons
Step 4:: Analyze possible molecular structures
- Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, so it can form 3 single bonds - Fluorine has 7 valence electrons, so it needs 1 more electron to complete its octet
Step 5:: Determine the most likely molecular structure
- The most stable structure would have 3 Fluorine atoms bonded to 1 Nitrogen atom - This matches the structure in option B: 3 Fluorines and 1 Nitrogen, with Fluorine as the central atom
Step 6:: Verify the molecular formula
- The molecular formula would be $$NF_{3}$$ (Nitrogen trifluoride)
Final Answer
There are 3 Fluorines and 1 Nitrogen. Fluorine will be the central atom.
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