Fluorine (F)
The element Fluorine - Basic information
Fact file
- Atomic number: 9
- Atomic weight: 18.998
- Classification: Non-metal
- Period number: 2
- Group number: 17 (Halogen)
History
- Fluorine was mentioned first in 1670 when instructions were written regarding its use to etch glass
- Chemists had suspected the presence of an unknown element in the compound fluoric acid
- Joseph Henri Moissan was the first chemist that was able to isolate Fluorine using platinum electrodes in 1886
- The name originates from the Latin word 'fluo' meaning flow
Characteristics
- Fluorine's most notable characteristic is that it is the most reactive of all the elements.
- It is also the most electronegative of the elements, meaning that it attracts electrons towards itself.
- In standard conditions fluorine forms a gas made up of two fluorine atoms called a diatomic gas. It is pale greenish-yellow in color with a pungent odor.
- Fluorine is toxic for humans and very corrosive. Many of the reactions with fluorine are sudden and explosive.
- Fluorine will burn all sorts of compounds and elements including water, copper, gold, and steel.
Uses of Fluorine
Rocket fuel
Fluorine is used in rocket fuels. Fluorine is a very reactive element which makes it good for very explosive reactions.
Refrigeration fluids
There is something that helps your refrigerator work. It's called Freon. Freon is pumped through a whole system of tubes. As the Freon moves through your refrigerator, it makes everything cold. One of the main elements in Freon is fluorine.
Tootphaste
At night when it's time to brush your teeth take a look at your toothpaste. Inside that tube is fluorine. Scientists put very small amounts of fluorine inside your toothpaste to help make your teeth whiter.
Uranium purification
Fluorine is used to refine another element called uranium. Uranium is used in nuclear reactors for fuel. Without fluorine, scientists couldn't get pure uranium.
Etching solutions
It's very hard to draw something called etched glass. Have you ever seen a really fancy window? That is etched glass. Artists use fluorine when they do that to the glass.
Water
Used in public water facilities so that the people wouldn't suffer from toothdecay.