Scandium is a transition metal with applications in aerospace components and high-intensity sports equipment.
One stage in the extraction of scandium from its ore is to heat scandium fluoride with sodium.
The table shows the melting points of the substances involved in this extraction step.
| Substance | Melting point in ∘C^{\circ}\text{C}∘C |
|---|---|
| sodium | 98 |
| sodium fluoride | 993 |
| scandium | 1541 |
| scandium fluoride | 1552 |
Balance the equation for this reaction.
‾ScF3+‾Na→‾Sc+‾NaF \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{ScF}_3 + \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{Na} \rightarrow \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{Sc} + \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{NaF} ScF3+Na→Sc+NaFAt one point in this extraction, the temperature of the reaction mixture is 1200 ∘C1200\,^{\circ}\text{C}1200∘C.
Which two substances are solids at this temperature?
Suggest the most likely type of bonding present in scandium fluoride.
Scandium reacts with oxygen to form scandium oxide. Suggest the chemical formula of scandium oxide.
The diagram shows the particles in scandium.
Explain, with reference to the diagram, why scandium is malleable and a good conductor of electricity.
