Problem 43 - Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity

Question

Use the elements in the following list to answer the questions: sodium, silicon, sulfur, scandium, selenium, strontium, silver, and samarium. (Some elements will be entered in more than one category.) (a) Identify those that are metals. (b) Identify those that are main group elements (c) Identify those that are transition metals.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Sodium, scandium, silver, strontium, samarium. (b) Sodium, silicon, sulfur, selenium, strontium. (c) Scandium, silver.

Step 1: Identify Metals

Metals are elements that tend to lose electrons and form cations in chemical reactions. They are generally characterized by high electrical conductivity, luster, malleability, and are located on the left side and middle of the periodic table. From the list, the metals are sodium, scandium, silver, strontium, and samarium.

Step 2: Identify Main Group Elements

Main group elements belong to the s and p blocks of the periodic table. They include the elements in groups 1, 2, and 13-18. From the list, sodium (group 1), silicon (group 14), sulfur (group 16), selenium (group 16), and strontium (group 2) are main group elements.

Step 3: Identify Transition Metals

Transition metals are found in the d-block of the periodic table and are known for their ability to form various oxidation states. From the list, scandium (located in Group 3 of the periodic table) and silver (located in Group 11) are transition metals.

Key Concepts

Metals

When we talk about metals, we're referring to elements that exhibit certain key characteristics. Metals are known for their ability to lose electrons and form positively charged ions called cations. This property comes very handy in chemical reactions. You can easily recognize metals by their high electrical conductivity and luster. They also tend to be malleable, meaning they can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking. Most metals are located on the left side and center of the periodic table.

From the list provided, sodium, scandium, silver, strontium, and samarium are classified as metals. Each of these elements consistently displays the typical traits associated with metals, making them pivotal in both industrial applications and chemical processes.

Main Group Elements

Main group elements are quite significant as they include the s-block and p-block elements of the periodic table. This category captures a wide range of elements from groups 1, 2, and 13-18. They play a key role in many biological and environmental systems.

Here's a quick breakdown of the relevant features of main group elements:

• They involve a wide variety of chemical and physical properties.
• They include metals, non-metals, and metalloids.
• Play a huge role in forming basic compounds necessary for life, such as oxygen and nitrogen.

From our list, sodium from group 1, silicon from group 14, sulfur and selenium from group 16, as well as strontium from group 2, are considered main group elements. Each of these belongs to groups where essential chemical reactions occur, often forming the building blocks of various compounds.

Transition Metals

Transition metals stand out because they occupy the d-block of the periodic table. What makes them special is their ability to form different oxidation states, allowing them to easily participate in complex chemical reactions. Most transition metals are found in the center of the periodic table.

Let's underline a few attributes of transition metals:

• They often form colorful compounds.
• Known for their catalytic capabilities.
• Typically have high melting points and densities.

From the list provided, scandium, which is in Group 3, and silver from Group 11, are identified as transition metals. Their unique oxidation states and chemical properties make them invaluable in fields like electronics, jewelry, and metal alloys.