Fluorine (F): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Fluorine is element 9 on the periodic table, a halogen, so it is a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a gas. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DFluorine quick facts
| Atomic number | 9 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | F |
| Atomic mass | 18.998 |
| Category | Halogen |
| Group and period | Group 17, period 2 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Gas |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² 2p⁵ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 7 |
| Discovered | 1886, Moissan |
What is fluorine used for?
- Toothpaste (sodium fluoride)
- Teflon non-stick coatings
- Uranium hexafluoride for nuclear fuel
Interesting facts about fluorine
- Most reactive element. Will react with almost everything including glass
- Fluorine is so reactive it took chemists 74 years after its prediction to isolate it safely
- Teflon's extreme non-reactivity comes from fluorine's strong bond with carbon
Fluorine was discovered in 1886 by Moissan in France.
Where fluorine sits on the periodic table
Fluorine is in group 17, period 2. Tap any element to open its page.
Other halogens
Fluorine questions
What is the atomic number of fluorine?
Fluorine has atomic number 9, so every fluorine atom has 9 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is F and its atomic mass is 18.998.
Is fluorine a metal?
Fluorine is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a halogen, found in group 17, period 2.
What is the electron configuration of fluorine?
The electron configuration of fluorine is [He] 2s² 2p⁵. Its electrons sit in 2 shells: 2, 7.
What is fluorine used for?
Fluorine is used for toothpaste (sodium fluoride), teflon non-stick coatings and uranium hexafluoride for nuclear fuel.
Who discovered fluorine?
Fluorine was discovered in 1886 by Moissan in France.
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