When calcium (Ca) reacts with fluorine (F₂) in a synthesis reaction, a binary ionic compound is formed. Here, we need to determine the product and the correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction.
1. Identify the Reactants: The reactants are calcium (`Ca`) and fluorine (`F₂`).
2. Determine the Valence and Charge of the Elements:
- Calcium (Ca) is an alkaline earth metal with a valence of +2.
- Fluorine (F₂) is a diatomic molecule where each fluorine atom has a valence of -1.
3. Predict the Product:
- When a metal reacts with a non-metal, an ionic compound is formed.
- In this case, one calcium atom (with a +2 charge) will bind with two fluorine atoms (each with a -1 charge) to neutralize the charge.
- Therefore, the product of the reaction is calcium fluoride (`CaF₂`).
4. Write the Balanced Chemical Equation:
- The correct balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
[tex]\[
Ca + F_2 \rightarrow CaF_2
\][/tex]
5. Conclusion:
- The product of this synthesis reaction is `CaF₂`, which corresponds to option number 3.
So, when calcium reacts with fluorine, the product is calcium fluoride (`CaF₂`).
