Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for nitrogen trifluoride?

• A. N3F
• B. NF
• C. N2F3
• D. NF3

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the naming convention for covalent compounds: prefixes indicate the number of atoms of each element in the compound. 'Tri-' means three atoms of the element it precedes.
2. Identify the elements involved: 'nitrogen trifluoride' contains nitrogen (N) and fluorine (F).
3. Apply the prefix 'tri-' to fluorine, meaning there are three fluorine atoms bonded to one nitrogen atom.
4. Write the chemical formula by placing the symbol for nitrogen first (N), followed by the symbol for fluorine (F) with the subscript 3 to indicate three fluorine atoms: \(N F_3\).
5. Verify that the formula matches the name: nitrogen trifluoride corresponds to \(N F_3\), not \(N_3 F\), \(N F\), or \(N_2 F_3\).