Understanding the Concept

The problem is asking us to determine the ratio of fluorine to sulfur in the second compound (SFx) by comparing it to the known ratio in SF6.

Calculations

1. SF6 Ratio: In SF6, the mass of fluorine per gram of sulfur is 3.55 g/g.

2. SFx Ratio: The mass of fluorine per gram of sulfur in the second compound is 1.18 g/g.

3. Finding the Ratio Difference: Divide the ratio in SF6 by the ratio in SFx:

3.55 g/g / 1.18 g/g = 3

4. Determining the Value of x: This means that the ratio of fluorine to sulfur in SFx is three times smaller than in SF6. Since SF6 has 6 fluorine atoms, SFx must have 6/3 = 2 fluorine atoms.

Answer

Therefore, the value of x in the second compound, SFx, is 2. The compound is SF2.