How do you solve #GaF_3 + Cs -> CsF + Ga#?

1 Answer
anor277
May 6, 2017

#"Do you mean how does you balance the equation?"#

Explanation:

Alkali metals are EXCELLENT reducing agents. We could solve by means of the general method for balancing redox equations, but we could also write the ONE ELECTRON oxidation with respect to the alkali metal directly:

#GaF_3 + 3Cs rarr 3CsF + Ga#

Is this balanced? That is for every reactant particle is there a corresponding product particle? If there are not, then the reaction cannot be accepted as a representation of physical reality.

Note that most of the time, should you use caesium, it is a liquidus, i.e. it has an exceptionally low melting point. It is also mighty expensive.

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