Answer the following about the properties of sulfur hexafluoride, for 10 points each:
[10h] Because it has a high value for this quantity, SF6 is most commonly found as an insulating material in high-voltage circuit breakers. This quantity is defined as the maximum electric field that can be withstood before electrical breakdown.
ANSWER: dielectric strength [reject “dielectric constant”]
[10m] SF6 is relatively inert, unlike its cousin SeF6, which is more susceptible to hydrolysis due to this “bulky” effect. SN2 reactions are slower on tertiary carbons due to these effects.
ANSWER: steric effects [or sterics; accept steric hindrance]
[10e] SF6 is heavier than air, allowing it to deepen one’s voice in contrast to this noble gas that can induce squeaky voices.
ANSWER: helium [accept He]
<RA, Chemistry>