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In a chemical reaction between calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F), what is the expected ratio of atoms that would react?

A. 1:1
B. 1:2
C. 2:1
D. 3:1

1 Answer

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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.

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