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Fluorine

Posted by on May 22, 2013 in Diatomic gases, Halogens, Non-metals

When a fluorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a fluoride ion: F + electron –> F– Teeth are often treated with fluoride.  This is...

Atomic # = 9 Atomic weight = 18.998

Atomic # = 9
Atomic weight = 18.998

When a fluorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a fluoride ion:

F + electron –> F–
Teeth are often treated with fluoride.  This is because when fluoride substitutes for hydroxide in hydroxyapatite (the mineral in teeth), a stronger mineral results:

Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 + 2 F– –> Ca10(PO4)6(F)2 + 2 OH–

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