Chapter 18, Problem 7RAT

When nitrogen and fluorine combine to form a molecule, the most likely chemical formula is

(a) ${\text{N}}_3\text{F}$

(b) ${\text{N}}_2\text{F}$

(c) ${\text{NF}}_4$

(d) $\text{NF}$

(e) ${\text{NF}}_3$

Solution

To determine: The correct option for the statement “When nitrogen and fluorine combine to form a molecule, the most likely chemical formula is”

Answer:

The correct option for the statement “When nitrogen and fluorine combine to form a molecule, the most likely chemical formula is” is option (e).

Explanation:

The electrons exist in distinct shells of any atom. The atoms always try to complete their octet (stable configuration) through bonding or sharing the electrons with another atoms.

The nitrogen atom $\left(\text{N}\right)$ contains total 5 electrons in its outermost shell and thus it requires only 3 electrons for completing its octet.

The fluorine $\left(\text{F}\right)$ atom contains total 7 electrons in its outermost shell and thus it requires only 1 electron for completing its octet.

So, one nitrogen atom will combine with 3 fluorine atoms to produce a molecule. Thus, the chemical formula of the molecule of nitrogen and fluorine will be ${\text{NF}}_3$ .

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “When nitrogen and fluorine combine to form a molecule, the most likely chemical formula is” is option (e).