Question

Explain why sodium fluoride has the composition represented by the formula NaF.

Short answer

The formula of the compound sodium fluoride is NaF because Sodium (Na) has a valency or combining capacity of +1 and Fluorine (F) has a valency of -1. Therefore, one atom of Sodium combines with one atom of Fluorine to form the compound Sodium Fluoride (NaF), resulting in a neutral compound.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Elements

First, recognize that Sodium is represented as 'Na' on the periodic table and it's in the first group (Group 1), and Fluorine is represented as 'F' on the periodic table and it's in the 17th Group.

Determine the Valency

Valency is the combining power of an element. Sodium (Na), being in group 1, has a valency of +1 because it can easily lose one electron to attain stable electronic configuration. Fluorine (F), on the other hand, being in Group 17, has a valency of -1 because it gains one electron to attain stable electronic configuration.

Form the Compound

A compound is stable when the sum of the oxidation states of all its atoms totals zero. Both sodium and fluorine need one electron to attain a stable electronic arrangement. Therefore, one Sodium atom will combine with one Fluoride atom to form a compound NaF.

Key concepts

Sodium

Sodium, symbolized by Na, is an essential element classified under the Alkali Metals group in the periodic table. It resides in the first group, Group 1, making it highly reactive. This reactivity is primarily due to its atomic structure. Sodium has one electron in its outermost shell. This setup seeks stability by giving away that one valence electron. By losing this single electron, sodium attains a stable electronic configuration, similar to the noble gases.

• Sodium has an atomic number of 11.
• It has a single electron in its outer shell.
• Sodium's driving force is to find stability by shedding its outer electron.

When sodium loses this electron, it forms a positively charged ion ( ext{Na}^+). This ion readily interacts with other negatively charged ions to create compounds. An example of such a compound is sodium fluoride (NaF), where sodium ionizes efficiently to pair with fluorine.

Fluorine

Fluorine is a chemical element represented by the symbol 'F' and is found in Group 17 of the periodic table. This group is often referred to as the halogens. Fluorine is the most electronegative and reactive of all elements in this group. Its high reactivity is due to the seven electrons present in its outer shell. Fluorine is driven to complete its valence shell by gaining one more electron.

• Fluorine has an atomic number of 9.
• There are seven valence electrons in a fluorine atom.
• Fluorine seeks stability by gaining an extra electron to fill its shell.

Once fluorine gains an electron, it forms a negatively charged ion ( ext{F}^-). This fluoride ion can easily combine with positive ions like sodium's ( ext{Na}^+) to form stable ionic compounds such as sodium fluoride (NaF). This interaction allows each element to achieve a complete electron configuration similar to noble gases.

Valency

Valency refers to the ability of an element to combine with other elements. It's determined by the number of electrons an atom gains, loses, or shares to become stable. Each element's valency correlates with the number of valence electrons in its outer shell.
Sodium, for instance, being in Group 1 with its solitary valence electron, has a valency of +1. This is because it tends to lose one electron to achieve stability. Fluorine, in contrast, holds a valency of -1 due to its need to gain one electron, completing its outer shell.

• Valency determines how elements bond.
• Group numbers help predict an element's valency.
• It's all about achieving full outer electronic shells.

When sodium (Na) and fluorine (F) bond to form NaF, their valencies of +1 and -1 complement each other, resulting in a stable compound. Understanding the valency of elements helps explain why certain compounds form and why they possess specific chemical properties.