Uranium hexafluoride, UF 6 , is processed to produce fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. UF 6 can be produced in a two-step reaction. Solid uranium (IV) oxide, UO 2 , is first made to react with hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution to form solid UF 4 with water as a by-product. UF 4 further reacts with fluorine gas to form UF6. (a) Write the balanced molecular equations for the conversion of UO 2 into UF 4 and the conversion of UF 4 to UF 6 . (b) Which step is an acid-base reaction?

Hey everyone, we're asked to determine which of the following is a double displacement reaction. And as we know, a double displacement reaction is going to be a compound of A. B. Plus another compound of C. D. And we end up with the products of A. D. Plus C. B. So essentially our ions were exchanged. So let's go ahead and look at our answer choices. Starting off with A. We have the following looking at our products, we have salt plus water and as we know salt and water as products mean an acid base reaction. So this can't be our answer. Looking at B, we have to react ints that become one product. So since we only formed one product, this is going to be a combination reaction. So this can't be your answer as well. Looking at sea, we see that our products became silver chloride and sodium nitrate. So looking at this, it looks like our ions were in fact exchange. So it looks like C. Is going to be our answer choice. But let's go ahead and look at D. To eliminate it as well. We see that our compound reacts with oxygen and we produce carbon dioxide and water. So that means we have a combustion reaction. So answer choice. D. Can't be our answer as well. So we're left with answer choice C. Which is our final answer. Now I hope this made sense. And let us know if you have any questions

Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution

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Brown 14th Edition

Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution

Problem 91a,b

Chapter 4, Problem 91a,b

Uranium hexafluoride, UF₆, is processed to produce fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. UF₆ can be produced in a two-step reaction. Solid uranium (IV) oxide, UO₂, is first made to react with hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution to form solid UF₄ with water as a by-product. UF₄ further reacts with fluorine gas to form UF6. (a) Write the balanced molecular equations for the conversion of UO₂ into UF₄ and the conversion of UF₄ to UF₆. (b) Which step is an acid-base reaction?

Verified step by step guidance

insert step 1> Identify the two reactions involved in the production of UF6.

insert step 2> Write the balanced chemical equation for the first reaction: UO2 + HF -> UF4 + H2O.

insert step 3> Recognize that an acid-base reaction involves the transfer of protons (H+ ions) from an acid to a base.

insert step 4> Analyze the first reaction: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) donates a proton to form water (H2O), indicating an acid-base reaction.

insert step 5> Conclude that the first step, where UO2 reacts with HF, is the acid-base reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In these reactions, an acid donates a proton, while a base accepts it. Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying which step in a chemical process qualifies as an acid-base reaction, as it helps to determine the roles of the reactants involved.

Uranium Compounds

Uranium compounds, such as uranium(IV) oxide (UO2) and uranium tetrafluoride (UF4), are important in nuclear chemistry. UO2 is a common form of uranium used in nuclear fuel, while UF4 is an intermediate in the production of uranium hexafluoride (UF6). Recognizing the properties and reactions of these compounds is essential for understanding the overall process of uranium processing.

Fluorine Chemistry

Fluorine is a highly reactive halogen that readily forms compounds with metals and nonmetals. In the context of the given reaction, fluorine gas reacts with UF4 to produce UF6. Understanding fluorine's reactivity and its role in forming stable compounds is key to analyzing the second step of the reaction and its significance in nuclear fuel production.

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