Problem 40 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

Give the chemical symbol for each element. a. the element in period 3 that can be used in making computer chips because it is a metalloid b. the group \(13,\) period 5 metal used in making flat screens for televisions c. an element used as a filament in lightbulbs; has the highest atomic mass natural elements in group 6

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. Si b. Ga c. W

Step 1: a. Identify the metalloid in period 3

Look at Period 3 of the periodic table, which consists of the following elements: Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), and Chlorine (Cl). Among these elements, Silicon (Si) is a metalloid that can be used in making computer chips. So the chemical symbol for this element is Si.

Step 2: b. Find the group 13, period 5 element used in making flat screens

Check the periodic table for the element that is in Group 13 (also known as the Boron Group) and Period 5. Gallium (Ga) is the element in this position and is used to make flat screens for televisions. So the chemical symbol for this element is Ga.

Step 3: c. Identify the group 6 element with the highest atomic mass used in lightbulbs

Look at Group 6 of the periodic table, which consists of the following elements: Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Tungsten (W), and Seaborgium (Sg). Among these elements, Tungsten (W) is the element with the highest atomic mass and is commonly used as a filament in lightbulbs. So the chemical symbol for this element is W.

Key Concepts

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are a shorthand way of representing elements in the periodic table. Each chemical symbol consists of one or two letters derived from either the English or Latin name of the element and is always written with the first letter capitalized. For example, Hydrogen is represented by 'H', Oxygen by 'O', and Carbon by 'C'. These symbols provide a universal method of communication among scientists and educators across the globe.

Understanding chemical symbols is essential for studying chemistry and related fields. As we've seen in the original exercise, the chemical symbol for silicon is 'Si', for gallium is 'Ga', and for tungsten is 'W'. Recognizing these symbols allows students to quickly identify and connect elements with their properties and uses, such as Si in computer chips, Ga in flat screens, and W in lightbulb filaments.

Metalloid Properties

Metalloids are elements that have properties intermediate between metals and non-metals. They are located on the stair-step line of the periodic table that distinguishes metals from non-metals. Metalloids, such as silicon (Si), are vital in various industries due to their unique characteristics.

For example, metalloids commonly exhibit semiconductor behavior, which is essential in electronics. Silicon, the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, is a prime example and is extensively used in making computer chips and solar cells. Its ability to conduct electricity better than non-metals, but not as well as metals, makes it perfect for controlling electrical current. The properties of metalloids, such as reactivity or melting and boiling points, often depend on the substance they are interacting with or the temperature.

Group and Period in Periodic Table

The periodic table arranges elements into rows and columns based on their atomic structure and properties. The rows are known as periods and the columns as groups. Each period corresponds to the number of electron shells around the nucleus of the atoms, which increases with each row down the table. Groups, on the other hand, consist of elements with the same number of electrons in their outer shell, giving them similar chemical behavior.

Elements are thus categorized in the periodic table by their group and period, which can tell us a lot about their properties and reactivities. For instance, gallium (Ga) belongs to group 13, and period 5, which suggests that it has three electrons in its outer shell and is situated five rows down the periodic table. This classification helps chemists predict how an element will react chemically and also aids in the discovery of new elements that fit the known periodic framework.