Question

Although they were formerly called the inert gases, the heavier elements of Group 8 do form relatively stable compounds. For example, at high temperatures in the presence of an appropriate catalyst, xenon gas will combine directly with fluorine gas to produce solid xenon tetrafluoride. Write the unbalanced chemical equation for this process.

Short answer

The unbalanced chemical equation for the combination of xenon gas with fluorine gas to produce solid xenon tetrafluoride is: \(Xe + F_2 \rightarrow XeF_4\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Reactants and Products

A reaction between xenon (Xe) and fluorine (F) gases is described. The product formed is called xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4).

Write the Formulas

Write the formulas for the reactants and product: Xenon: \(Xe\) Fluorine: \(F_2\) (Note that Fluorine exists as diatomic molecules) Xenon Tetrafluoride: \(XeF_4\)

Write the Unbalanced Chemical Equation

Combine the reactants and product in an equation form: \(Xe + F_2 \rightarrow XeF_4\) The unbalanced chemical equation for the combination of xenon gas with fluorine gas to produce solid xenon tetrafluoride is: \(Xe + F_2 \rightarrow XeF_4\).