Gaseous element (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: FLUORINE (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Gaseous element" with 8 letters is "FLUORINE".Fluorine is a highly reactive, pale yellow gaseous element in the halogen group of the periodic table, known for its strong electronegativity and ability to form compounds with nearly all other elements. It is commonly used in industrial applications such as in the production of Teflon and refrigerants.
Why “Fluorine” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (8 letters) meaning “gaseous element.” The answer, FLUORINE, fits exactly:
- Gaseous element: Fluorine is a chemical element, symbol F, that exists naturally as a pale yellow, highly reactive gas.
- Direct match: With 8 letters, fluorine perfectly matches the enumeration.
- Precise definition: Among the halogen group, fluorine is the lightest and is indeed a gas at room temperature, satisfying the clue precisely.
The element fluorine is notable for its unique properties:
- Origin and usage: Discovered in 1886 by Henri Moissan, the name comes from Latin fluere (“to flow”), linked to its presence in fluorite minerals.
- Chemical role: It is the most electronegative and reactive element in the periodic table, used in compounds like fluorides, Teflon, and even in toothpaste.
- Examples: “Fluorine is used industrially in making plastics,” or “Fluorine gas is dangerously reactive and must be handled with care.”
Quick crossword clues like “gaseous element (8)” often rely on scientific general knowledge:
- Other gases like nitrogen (8), hydrogen (8), or chlorine (8) are potential fits, but fluorine is distinct and fits perfectly as one of the halogens.
- The enumeration (8) strongly directs solvers toward this class of elements, narrowing choices to a few elemental names.
- Its exact length, scientific status, and recognition as a gas make fluorine the correct solution.
