To determine the correct formula for the binary molecular compound chlorine trifluoride, we need to consider the following steps:
1. Identify the Composition:
- The name "chlorine trifluoride" means the compound is made up of chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F) atoms.
2. Interpret the Prefixes:
- The prefix "tri-" in "trifluoride" indicates the presence of three fluorine atoms.
3. Determine the Chemical Formula:
- Since the name "chlorine trifluoride" specifies one chlorine atom and three fluorine atoms, the formula must clearly reflect these quantities.
Let's compare the given options:
- [tex]$ClF _3$[/tex]: Contains 1 chlorine and 3 fluorine atoms. This matches chlorine trifluoride.
- [tex]$ClFl _3$[/tex]: This suggests different elements Cl and Fl, which does not exist naturally.
- [tex]$Cl _2 F _6$[/tex]: Contains 2 chlorine atoms and 6 fluorine atoms. This does not match the composition stated.
- [tex]$Cl _3 F$[/tex]: Contains 3 chlorine atoms and 1 fluorine atom. This is not consistent with chlorine trifluoride.
Thus, the correct formula for chlorine trifluoride is [tex]$ClF _3$[/tex].
