In our last article on fluorine facts, we learned about its discovery, its dangers, its availability on Earth and in universe and we learned about a few uses of fluorine. However, we did not mention its general characteristics and features. In this article on fluorine element facts, we are going to do exactly that so that your basic knowledge about fluorine is more or less complete. So, let’s get started…

Fluorine Element Facts: 1-5

1. Fluorine is ‘the most’ reactive element known to us. The reason for this is that fluorine is most electronegative of all known elements till now.

2. It is so reactive that once it comes in contact with water, it reacts violently. The result of this reaction is the formation of oxygen and hydrofluoric acid, which is known to be extremely corrosive. So corrosive is this acid that it can dissolve glass.

3. Fluorine is so reactive that it is known to react with every known element on this planet. It is so reactive that it even reacts with noble or inert gases under specific conditions.

4. Elemental fluorine is diatomic. This means that two atoms of fluorine will combine to form a molecule.

5. Elemental fluorine in normal room temperature takes gaseous state. It is pale yellow in color and is highly corrosive, especially to soft tissues.

Fluorine Element Facts: 6-10

6. Fluorine gas has a very pungent smell that can be detected in density as low as 20 ppb (parts per billion). This characteristic of fluorine makes its very easily detectable and hence, good for those who work with fluorine because they can quickly identify leakages.

7. Fluorine is classified as Halogen. It is the lightest known halogen on Earth.

8. At a temperature of -188°C or -307°F, fluorine condenses and becomes a liquid with bright yellow color.

9. Fluorine is produced inside stars. However, the produced fluorine is short-lived. It will instantly react with either hydrogen or with helium using nuclear fusion reaction.

10. When fluorine combines with hydrogen inside stars, it will produce oxygen or helium. When fluorine combines with helium, it will produce hydrogen and neon.