Question

the chemical formula sf₆ indicates
a six atoms of sulfur and one atom of fluorine.
b six atoms of each element.
c seven atoms of each element.
d one atom of sulfur and six atoms of fluorine.
e none of the above

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the chemical formula \( SF_6 \)

In a chemical formula, the sub - script indicates the number of atoms of each element. For \( SF_6 \), the sub - script of \( S \) (sulfur) is \( 1 \) (when no sub - script is written, it is assumed to be \( 1 \)), and the sub - script of \( F \) (fluorine) is \( 6 \).

Step2: Check each option

• Option A: It says six atoms of sulfur and one atom of fluorine. But in \( SF_6 \), there is one sulfur atom and six fluorine atoms. So, option A is wrong.
• Option B: It says six atoms of each element. But there is one sulfur atom and six fluorine atoms. So, option B is wrong.
• Option C: It says seven atoms of each element. But there is one sulfur atom and six fluorine atoms. So, option C is wrong.
• Option D: It says one atom of sulfur and six atoms of fluorine. This matches the composition of \( SF_6 \).

Answer:

D. one atom of sulfur and six atoms of fluorine