Barium Fluoride Formula

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Barium fluoride is a chemical compound composed of barium and fluorine and has a formula BaF2. It occurs in nature in the form of a mineral known as frankdicksonite. Here, in this short piece of article, learn more about barium fluoride formula, its chemical structure along with its properties and uses.

Barium Fluoride Properties

Properties of Barium Fluoride
NameBarium Fluoride
AppearanceWhite cubic crystals
Molecular FormulaBaF2
Melting Point1,368 °C
Boiling Point2,260 °C
Density4.89 g/cm³
Molar Mass175.34 g/mol
Solubility in WaterSlightly soluble

Barium Fluoride Chemical Structure

Barium Fluoride Uses

  • Used to make optical components such as lens
  • Used in the manufacture of carbon brushes for DC motor
  • Used in the manufacture of glass

Physical Properties of Barium Fluoride

  • Barium fluoride produces white cubic crystals.  
  • The refractive index of this compound is approximately 1.46 in the range of 700 nm to 5 µm.  
  • The melting and boiling points of BaF2 are 1368°C and 2260°C, respectively.  
  • Barium fluoride’s density is 4.89 g/cm³ while its molar mass is 175.34 g/mol.  
  • It is partly soluble in water. 
  •  Its prolonged exposure to moisture can degrade its UV range transmission. 
  •  BaF2 can be corroded by moisture but in a dry environment can be used up to 800oC.

Optical Properties

The optical properties of BAF2 are: 

  • It appears transparent when observed in ultraviolet light with the infrared range from 150 – 200 nm to 11 – 11.5 µm.
  • It is a fast and universal scanner used to detect X-rays, gamma rays, or high-energy particles.
  • Unlike most illuminants, barium fluoride has the unique property of not emitting ultraviolet light.
  • It is also possible to detect high-energy neutrons using pulse shape discrimination.

Preparation of Barium Fluoride

In the laboratory it is generally formed  when a positively charged Barium atom reacts with  two negatively charged Fluoride atoms, this can be described as the following decomposition reaction

Gas-phase structure

In the gas phase, the BaF2 molecule is non-linear and the F-Ba-F angle is about 108 °. Its non-linearity is an exception to the theory of VSEPR. The first calculation shows that it is due to the contribution from the (D) orbital of the shell below the valence shell. Another suggestion is that the polarization of the electron nucleus of the barium atom causes a nearly tetrahedral distribution of charges that interacts with the Ba-F bond.

Sample Problems

Question 1: Is Barium Fluoride soluble in water?  

Solution:

Barium fluoride is a colorless, odorless crystal or white powder, sparingly soluble in an aqueous solution. The solutions in which it is soluble are ethanol and methanol. Its solubility in water is 1.58 g/L (10°C) 1.61 g/L (25°C) while the solubility product is 1.84 × 10−7.

Question 2: Is Barium Fluoride a salt?  

Solution:

Yes, barium fluoride is a salt. Composed of barium (Ba) and fluorine (F), it gives off a powdery white appearance. Other than that, it looks colorless and transparent.   Mineral Frank Dixonite is a solid element that occurs naturally.

Question 3: Is BaF2 an ionic or covalent compound? 

Solution:

Barium fluoride is an ionic compound because it is composed of a barium cation with a +2 charge and a fluoride anion with a charge of 1. The molecular formula of this compound is BaF2. It is called an ionic bond because there is no common bond, only the movement of ions.

Question 4: What is the description for Barium Fluoride?   

Solution:

Barium Fluoride is an ionic compound of alkali metals and non-metals. They are insoluble in water. The symbol for barium is Ba, which belongs to Group 1, so the cation charge is +2, but fluorine is a non-metal with a charge of -1. Therefore, when calculating the charge, it becomes   (+2) + (–1) = + 1.   Therefore, the cross method (Ba2 +) (F) 2 equilibrates the charge  as (1 × (+2)) + (2 × (-1)) = 0. Therefore, the formula is BaF2.

Question 5: What are the health effects of Fluoride in drinking water?  

Solution:

Too high levels of fluoride ions in drinking water can cause dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, bone damage, osteoporosis, muscle damage, malaise, joint problems, and chronic problems. 

Question 6: Does the human body need Fluoride? 

Solution:

Fluoride also plays an important role in the mineralization of bones and teeth. This is an important process in keeping bones and teeth strong and strong. In fact, around 99% of the body’s fluoride is stored in bones and teeth. Fluoride is also important in preventing tooth decay.

Question 7: What Are The Uses Of Barium Fluoride Compounds? 

Solution:

Barium fluoride is used as a melt bath for cleaning in metallurgy. It is also used in welding and in the manufacture of masks. It is also used in optics and windows for infrared spectroscopy and fuel oil analysis.

Solved Example for You

Question: The solubility of the chemical compound barium fluoride i.e. BaF2, is 3.15 x 10-3 M at 25 °C. Calculate the solubility product and Ksp.

Answer:

The dissociation reaction of compound BaF2in water is:

BaF2(s) ↔ Ba+ (aq) + 2 F- (aq)

This reaction shows that for every single mole of BaF2that dissolves, 1 mole of Ba+ and 2 moles of F- are formed as a result. The solubility is similar to the concentration of the Ba ions in the solution.

Solubility = [Ba+] = 7.94 x 10-3M

[F] = 2 [Ba+]

Ksp = [Ba+][F]2

Ksp = ([Ba+])(2 [Ba+])2

Ksp = 4[Ba+]3

Ksp = 4(7.94 x 10-3M)3

Ksp = 4(5 x 10-7)

Ksp = 2 x 10-6

The solubility product of barium fluoride (BaF2) is 2 x 10-6.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is barium fluoride formula?

Barium fluoride is a chemical compound with the formula BaF2. It is a white solid that is insoluble in water. Barium fluoride is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • As a flux in the production of glass and ceramics.
  • In the manufacture of optical lenses and prisms.
  • As a scintillation material in radiation detectors.
  • In X-ray imaging.

What is the molar mass of barium fluoride?

The molar mass of barium fluoride is 175.32 g/mol.

What is the melting point of barium fluoride?

The melting point of barium fluoride is 1355 °C.

What is the boiling point of barium fluoride?

The boiling point of barium fluoride is 2260 °C.

Is barium fluoride soluble in water?

No, barium fluoride is insoluble in water.

What are the health hazards of barium fluoride?

Barium fluoride is a toxic compound. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion of barium fluoride can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle cramps. In severe cases, barium fluoride poisoning can lead to death.

How should barium fluoride be stored?

Barium fluoride should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be kept away from heat, sparks, and flames. Barium fluoride should also be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

What are the precautions for handling barium fluoride?

When handling barium fluoride, the following precautions should be taken:

  • Wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
  • Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
  • Do not ingest barium fluoride.
  • Wash thoroughly after handling barium fluoride.

How should barium fluoride be disposed of?

Barium fluoride should be disposed of as a hazardous waste. It should not be flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain. Barium fluoride should be disposed of in a hazardous waste container and taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Question: What is the chemical formula for Barium Fluoride?

Answer: The chemical formula for Barium Fluoride is BaF2.

Question: What is the molecular formula for Barium Fluoride, and what are its properties?

Answer: The molecular formula of Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) is BaF₂. It occurs naturally as a solid and is colorless. The bond between the atoms in Barium Fluoride is ionic, and it is primarily insoluble in water. The compound has a white cubic crystal appearance

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