When calcium reacts with fluorine in a synthesis reaction, calcium combines with fluorine to produce calcium fluoride. To determine the product of this reaction, let's consider the reactants and the balanced chemical equation for the reaction.
The reactants are calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F₂). Fluorine exists as a diatomic molecule, meaning it forms molecules consisting of two fluorine atoms. Calcium is an alkaline earth metal and tends to lose two electrons to form a Ca²⁺ ion, while each fluorine atom gains one electron to form two F⁻ ions.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between calcium and fluorine can be written as:
[tex]\[
Ca + F_2 \rightarrow CaF_2
\][/tex]
In this equation:
- One calcium atom reacts with one molecule of fluorine (which contains two fluorine atoms).
- The calcium atom loses two electrons to form a Ca²⁺ ion.
- Each fluorine atom gains one electron to form two F⁻ ions.
- These ions combine to form the ionic compound calcium fluoride (CaF₂).
Thus, the product of the synthesis reaction between calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F₂) is calcium fluoride (CaF₂).
