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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Fluorine and Fluoride?

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Fluorine and fluoride are related but distinct chemical substances. Here are the key differences between them:

  • Fluorine is a chemical element, represented by the symbol F. It is a pale yellow gas found naturally in the Earth's crust and dissolved in seawater. Fluorine is highly reactive and forms the ion F– or combines with other elements, forming compounds and minerals.
  • Fluoride is the ion of fluorine (F–) or a compound containing fluorine. Fluoride compounds are created when fluorine combines with minerals in soil or rocks. Fluorides are usually very stable and relatively unreactive, unlike elemental fluorine.

Some common fluoride compounds include:

  • Fluoride ion: F–
  • Sulfur hexafluoride: SF6
  • Calcium fluoride: CaF2
  • Sodium fluoride: NaF
  • Sodium fluorosilicate: Na2SiF6

Fluoride is known for its role in cavity prevention, as it is an ingredient in toothpaste and is added to public drinking water in some countries. It has other applications as well, such as in osteoporosis treatment, aluminum smelting, steel making, and fluorocarbon production. Elemental fluorine, on the other hand, is highly toxic to humans and other living organisms due to its high reactivity.

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  • What is the Difference Between Fluorine and Fluoride?
  • Comparative Table: Fluorine vs Fluoride

    • Comparative Table: Fluorine vs Fluoride

    Fluorine and fluoride are related but distinct chemical entities. Here is a table comparing their differences:

    Property Fluorine Fluoride
    Definition Fluorine is a chemical element, denoted by F, and is a halogen in the periodic table. Fluoride is either the ion of the fluorine element (F-) or a compound containing the fluorine atom.
    Charge Neutral. Negatively charged.
    Occurrence Fluorine is a reactive element and does not occur freely in nature, but it is found in the Earth's crust and dissolved in seawater. Fluoride naturally occurs in compounds and minerals.
    Uses Fluorine is used in various applications, such as osteoporosis treatment, aluminum smelting, steel making, fluorocarbon production, and biochemical assays. Fluoride is most commonly used to prevent cavities and has other applications, such as in the production of fluorocarbons and in sodium fluoride batteries.
    Health Effects and Risks Elemental fluorine is highly toxic to humans and other living organisms, with effects comparable to those of pure chlorine. Some fluorides are also extremely dangerous, such as hydrogen fluoride.

    Examples of fluoride compounds include:

    • Fluoride ion (F-)
    • Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
    • Calcium fluoride (CaF2)
    • Sodium fluoride (NaF)
    • Sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6)
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.