Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sulfur hexafluoride?

• A. SF_6
• B. SF_4
• C. S_2F_6
• D. S_6F

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the name of the compound: sulfur hexafluoride. The prefix 'hex-' means six, indicating there are six fluorine atoms.
2. Recall that the central atom is sulfur (S), and the compound contains six fluorine (F) atoms bonded to it.
3. Write the chemical formula by placing sulfur first, followed by the number of fluorine atoms indicated by the prefix: \(S F_6\).
4. Check the other options to ensure they do not match the name: \(SF_4\) has four fluorines, \(S_2F_6\) has two sulfurs, and \(S_6F\) has six sulfurs, which do not correspond to sulfur hexafluoride.
5. Conclude that the correct formula for sulfur hexafluoride is \(S F_6\).