A certain metal fluoride crystallizes in such a way that the fluoride ions occupy simple cubic lattice sites, while the metal atoms occupy the body centers of half the cubes. What is the formula for the metal fluoride? A) MF B) M₂F C) MF₈ D) MF₂ E) none of these

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the given information, the metal atoms occupy the body centers of half the cubes which means there is one metal atom for every two cubes. Therefore, the formula for the metal fluoride can be written as MF2, but since the fluoride ions occupy simple cubic lattice sites, the metal ion is surrounded by eight fluoride ions. Hence, the formula can be written as MFS8 or MF₂. The only option that matches this formula is D.

A Certain Metal Fluoride Crystallizes in Such a Way That