To determine the correct formula for nitrogen trifluoride, we need to analyze the given options and identify which one accurately represents the chemical composition.
When naming binary compounds consisting of a nonmetal and fluorine, we generally use the prefixes mono-, di-, tri-, etc., to indicate the number of each element present in the molecule. The prefix "tri-" means three, so we need three fluorine atoms for every nitrogen atom.
Let's evaluate each option:
A. [tex]\( \text{NF}_3 \)[/tex]
- This formula indicates one nitrogen atom and three fluorine atoms.
- The name "nitrogen trifluoride" correctly corresponds to this ratio.
B. [tex]\( \text{NF} \)[/tex]
- This indicates one nitrogen atom and one fluorine atom.
- This would be simply called nitrogen fluoride, not nitrogen trifluoride.
C. [tex]\( \text{N}_3\text{F} \)[/tex]
- This indicates three nitrogen atoms and one fluorine atom.
- This compound would not be named nitrogen trifluoride.
D. [tex]\( \text{NF}_2 \)[/tex]
- This indicates one nitrogen atom and two fluorine atoms.
- This would be called nitrogen difluoride, not nitrogen trifluoride.
After analyzing all the options, the correct formula for nitrogen trifluoride is:
A. [tex]\( \text{NF}_3 \)[/tex]
Thus, the correct choice is option A. [tex]\( \text{NF}_3 \)[/tex]
