Question
Uranium hexafluoride can leech into the air by bonding to water vapor to form \( \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \) and HF , both of which are toxic to humans. Which of the following describes this reaction? Choose 1 answer: (A) \( \mathrm{UF}_{6}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}+4 \mathrm{HF} \) (B) \( \mathrm{UF}_{6}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}+2 \mathrm{HF} \) (C) \( \mathrm{UF}_{6}+4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}+\mathrm{HF} \) (D) \( \mathrm{UF}_{6}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}+\mathrm{HF} \)
Ask by Luna Lewis. in the United States
Feb 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The correct reaction is:
\( \mathrm{UF}_{6} + 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} + 4 \mathrm{HF} \)
Solution
To determine which reaction is balanced, we can check the atoms on both sides of each equation.
Let's analyze option (A):
Reaction (A): UF₆ + 2 H₂O → UO₂F₂ + 4 HF
Count atoms on the left:
• U: 1
• F: 6
• H: 2 × 2 = 4
• O: 2
Count atoms on the right:
• U: 1
• For UO₂F₂: U = 1, O = 2, F = 2
• For 4 HF: F = 4, H = 4
• Total F: 2 (from UO₂F₂) + 4 (from HF) = 6
• Total H: 4
• Total O: 2
Since all atoms balance, the reaction is correctly written.
Thus, the answer is (A):
UF₆ + 2 H₂O → UO₂F₂ + 4 HF
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Mind Expander
The correct answer is (A) \( \mathrm{UF}_{6}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{UO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}+4 \mathrm{HF} \). This reaction shows that uranium hexafluoride reacts with water to produce uranium dioxide difluoride and hydrofluoric acid, highlighting the compound's potential toxicity when released into the environment. Understanding this reaction is especially important in the nuclear industry, where uranium hexafluoride is commonly used for uranium enrichment. Proper handling and containment are vital to prevent exposure to the toxic byproducts, thereby ensuring safety for workers and minimizing environmental impact.
