Chapter 1, Problem 1.33QE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

From the description of the element fluorine given below, the physical and chemical properties have to be identified.

“Fluorine is a pale-yellow corrosive gas that reacts with practically all substances.  Finely divided metals, glass, ceramics, carbon and even water burn in fluorine with a bright flame.  Small amounts of compounds of this element in drinking water and toothpaste prevent dental cavities.  The free element has a melting point of $\text{-}\text{219}{\text{.6}}^{\text{°}}\text{C}$ and boils at $\text{-}\text{188}{\text{.1}}^{\text{°}}\text{C}$.  Fluorine is one of the few elements that forms compounds with the element xenon.”.

Concept Introduction:

Chemical property:

The property that describes the reactivity of a material and in the process forms new and different substances.

Physical property:

The property that can be measured without changing the composition of the sample.