Fluorine

Fluorine

Symbol	F
Atomic Number	9
Atomic Mass	18.998403 g.mol-1
Discovered by	Henri Moissan

Chemical Properties of Fluorine

What is Fluorine?

• The element Fluorine is a poisonous gas.
• It usually exists as fluoride ion F- in aqueous solution
• It remains in the air for long when attached to tiny particles.

Uses of Fluorine

• Molecular fluorine and Atomic fluorine are used in semiconductor manufacturing for plasma etching, MEMs fabrication, and flat panel display production.
• Chlorofluorocarbons are used extensively used in air conditioners and refrigerators.
• Fluorides are also added to toothpaste to prevent dental cavities.
• The metal could be used to map the circulatory system and any disorders.
• Proposedly could be used in the optoelectric nuclear batteries.

Properties of Fluorine

• Fluorine exists naturally in the earth’s crust and found in coal, clay, and rocks.
• Hydrogen fluorides are released into the air by the industries through the processes of combustion.
• 0.6 ppb of fluorine is present as organic chloride compounds and salt spray in the atmosphere.
• The element has been recorded around 50 ppb in city environments.

Certain Facts About Fluorine

• The 13th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust is Fluoride.
• Fluorine is reactive with other elements which can combine with nearly any element on Earth.
• Even water burn in fluorine with a bright flame along with finely divided metals like glass, ceramics, and carbon.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What are the uses of fluorine?

Fluorine is critical for the production of nuclear material for nuclear power plants and for the insulation of electric towers. Hydrogen fluoride, a compound of fluorine, is used to etch glass. Fluorine, like Teflon, is used to make plastics and is also important in dental health.

How is fluorine obtained?

Fluorine occurs naturally in the crust of the earth where it is present in rocks, coal, and clay. Through wind-blown soil, fluorides are released into the air. Fluorine is the 13th most abundant element in the crust of the Earth: The Earth’s crust contains 950 parts per million of fluorine.

What are the health hazards of fluorine?

Fluorine gas is a powerful irritant towards the eyes, skin and lungs. This substance is very toxic. In low concentrations’ fluorine gas affects the eyes and nose. It gets difficult to breathe at higher concentrations. Exposure to high fluorine concentrations can lead to death from lung damage.