Questions: Decide if each statement is true or false for the transformation pictured at the particulate level in the following illustration: Xe = brown F = green There are 2 atoms of Xe in both the reactants and the products. The number of F atoms in the reactants is greater than the number in the products. The illustration represents a valid chemical transformation.

Solution Steps

There are two Xe atoms (brown) and six F₂ molecules (green) in the reactants. This means there are 2 Xe atoms and 12 F atoms initially.

There are two molecules of XeF₃ in the products. This means there are 2 Xe atoms and 6 F atoms in the products.

1. There are 2 atoms of Xe in both the reactants and the products. True.
2. The number of F atoms in the reactants is greater than the number in the products. True. 12 F atoms in the reactants > 6 F atoms in the products.
3. The illustration represents a valid chemical transformation. False. The reaction should be: Xe + 3F₂ → XeF₆ or 2Xe + 3F₂ → 2XeF₃. The given illustration shows 2Xe + 6F₂ → 2XeF₃, which is unbalanced with respect to F atoms.

Final Answer