Beryllium (Be) has four electrons. Fluorine (F) has nine electrons. Which chemical formula shows the correct subscripts for the product of the reaction when beryllium and fluorine combine?

1 answer

The chemical formula for the product of the reaction when beryllium and fluorine combine is BeF2. This is because beryllium has a valence of +2, meaning it can give away 2 electrons, and fluorine has a valence of -1, meaning it can gain 1 electron. Therefore, one beryllium atom can combine with two fluorine atoms to form BeF2.