NLN NEX Chemistry Practice Test

What is the formula unit of calcium fluoride?

CaF CaF3 Ca2F2 CaF2

Correct Answer:

CaF2

Explanation:

Ionic compounds are described by the smallest whole-number ratio of ions that balances charge to zero. Calcium forms a Ca2+ ion, while fluoride forms F−. To cancel the +2 from calcium, two fluoride ions are needed, giving CaF2. This is the simplest, neutral formula unit for calcium fluoride. The other options misbalance charge or aren’t in the simplest ratio, so they don’t represent the compound correctly.

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