Considering the activity series given for nonmetals, what is the result of the below reaction? Use the activity series provided: F > Cl > Br > I



$Br_2 + NaF \rightarrow$


Ano reaction
B$Na + FBr_2$
C$NaBr + F_2$
D$Na_2F + Br_2$

Verified Answer :

  • The given activity series of nonmetals is \(F > Cl > Br > I\).
  • In a displacement reaction, a more reactive element displaces a less reactive one.
  • Comparing Bromine (\(Br\)) and Fluorine (\(F\)), we see that \(Br\) is less reactive than \(F\).
  • Therefore, \(Br_2\) cannot displace \(F\) from \(NaF\), resulting in \(\boxed{\text{no reaction}}\).

Explanation

  1. Analyzing the Activity Series

In the provided activity series for nonmetals, we are given the order of reactivity: \(F > Cl > Br > I\). This series ranks nonmetals based on their ability to displace other nonmetals from their corresponding ionic compounds. An element with higher activity can displace an element with lower activity, but the reverse is not possible.

  1. Evaluating the Reaction

The reaction given is \(Br_2 + NaF \rightarrow ?\). Here, we have elemental Bromine (\(Br_2\)) reacting with sodium fluoride (\(NaF\)). For a displacement reaction to occur, the element acting as the reactant (\(Br\)) must be more active than the element it intends to displace (\(F\)). By comparing the positions in the series \(F > Cl > Br > I\), it is evident that Fluorine (\(F\)) is significantly more reactive than Bromine (\(Br\)). Consequently, Bromine does not have the necessary reactivity to displace Fluorine from its compound.

  1. Conclusion

Because Bromine (\(Br\)) is lower in the activity series than Fluorine (\(F\)), the elemental form \(Br_2\) cannot displace \(F\) from \(NaF\). Therefore, no chemical reaction takes place. The final answer is \(\boxed{\text{no reaction}}\).

Examples

The activity series of elements is a crucial tool in chemistry for predicting the feasibility of single-displacement reactions. For example, in industrial water treatment, chlorine is often added to displace bromine or iodine from water supplies, effectively purifying the water because chlorine is more reactive. Understanding these relative reactivities allows chemists to design efficient processes and prevent unnecessary or ineffective chemical mixtures.