Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium fluoride?

• A. NaF
• B. NaF2
• C. NaCl
• D. Na2F

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions involved: sodium (Na) typically forms a +1 cation (Na\^{+}), and fluoride (F) forms a -1 anion (F\^{-}).
2. Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges so that the overall compound is electrically neutral.
3. Since both sodium and fluoride have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign (+1 and -1), they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Write the chemical formula by placing the symbols of the ions together, with no subscripts needed when the ratio is 1:1, resulting in NaF.
5. Verify that the formula represents a neutral compound by confirming the total positive and negative charges cancel out.