The element with 10 neutrons and 9 electrons is Fluorine.
Understanding Element Identification
An element is defined by its atomic number, which is the unique number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. For a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, if an atom has 9 electrons, it must also have 9 protons. The element with an atomic number of 9 is Fluorine (F).
The number of neutrons can vary within atoms of the same element, leading to different isotopes. In this specific case, 10 neutrons combined with 9 protons results in an atom with a mass number of 19 (9 protons + 10 neutrons), which corresponds to the most common isotope, Fluorine-19.
Properties of Fluorine
Fluorine is a highly reactive nonmetal and the lightest halogen element. It is the most electronegative element, meaning it strongly attracts electrons.
Here's a summary of its key characteristics:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Element Name | Fluorine |
| Chemical Symbol | F |
| Atomic Number | 9 |
| Number of Protons | 9 |
| Number of Electrons | 9 |
| Number of Neutrons | 10 |
| Melting Point | -219.62° C (-363.32° F) |
| Boiling Point | -188.14° C (-306.65° F) |
Practical Insights
Fluorine plays a significant role in various applications:
- Industrial Use: It is a key component in the production of fluorocarbons, which are used in refrigerants, aerosols, and some plastics like PTFE (Teflon).
- Everyday Products: Fluoride, an ion of fluorine, is widely used in toothpaste and municipal water supplies to prevent tooth decay.
- Nuclear Technology: Certain fluorine compounds are essential in the nuclear industry for uranium enrichment.
For more detailed information on this fascinating element, you can explore resources like Fluorine on Wikipedia.
