Final answer:
In the chemical reaction between calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F), the expected ratio of atoms that would react is 1:2.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a chemical reaction between calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F), the expected ratio of atoms that would react can be determined by considering the balanced chemical equation for the formation of a compound between calcium and fluorine. Calcium typically forms a 2+ cation (Ca²⁺), and fluorine forms a 1- anion (F⁻). The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
In this reaction, one calcium atom reacts with one fluorine molecule (composed of two fluorine atoms) to produce one formula unit of calcium fluoride (CaF₂). The stoichiometry of the reaction indicates a 1:1 ratio between calcium atoms and fluorine atoms. Therefore, for every one calcium atom, one fluorine molecule would react.
The given answer of 3:1 is not consistent with the stoichiometry of this reaction. The correct ratio is 1:1, reflecting the balanced nature of the chemical equation, where one calcium atom reacts with one fluorine molecule.