Final answer:
The compound CF₄ is correctly named carbon tetrafluoride, using the numerical prefix 'tetra-' to denote four fluorine atoms bonded to one carbon atom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The compound with the molecular formula CF₄ is correctly named carbon tetrafluoride. When naming covalent compounds, the prefix 'tetra-' is used to indicate that there are four atoms of fluorine present. The stem of the element fluorine used in molecule names is 'fluor', and we attach 'ide' to the end of the name of the second element in a molecular compound when it is a non-metal. By following these naming conventions, similar to how carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is named, CF₄ is identified as carbon tetrafluoride.
Additionally, oxidation numbers can be assigned to the atoms in this substance: For example, in carbon tetrafluoride, carbon would have an oxidation number of +4 and each fluorine atom would have an oxidation number of -1.