Problem 46 - Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity

Question

Element \(109,\) now named meitnerium (in honor of the Austrian-Swedish physicist, Lise Meitner \([1878-1968]),\) was produced in August 1982 by a team at Germany's Institute for Heavy lon Research. Depict its electron configuration using spdf and noble gas notations. Name another element found in the same group as meitnerium.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Meitnerium's electron configuration is \([Rn] 7s^2 5f^{14} 6d^7\). An element in the same group is iridium \((Ir)\).

Step 1: Identify the Element's Position in the Periodic Table

Meitnerium has the atomic number 109. In the periodic table, it is located in group 9 and period 7. This information will be crucial when writing its electron configuration.

Step 2: Write the Basic Electron Configuration

Start by writing the electron configuration from the first period up to the seventh. A quick reminder: each period begins with the filling of the next shell, so you'll need to fill the 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d in order. For meitnerium with atomic number 109, fill the orbitals until you reach the total of 109 electrons: \[1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^6 6s^2 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6p^6 7s^2 5f^{14} 6d^7\].

Step 3: Use Noble Gas Notation

Using noble gas notation simplifies the process by using a noble gas to represent a section of the electron configuration that is full. The previous noble gas before meitnerium is radon \((Rn)\), which accounts for the electron configuration \([Rn] = 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^6 6s^2 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6p^6\). So the electron configuration for meitnerium becomes: \[[Rn] 7s^2 5f^{14} 6d^7\].

Step 4: Identify a Group 9 Element

Meitnerium is in group 9 of the periodic table. Other elements in this group include cobalt \((Co)\), rhodium \((Rh)\), and iridium \((Ir)\). Any of these can be the answer to the second part of the question.

Key Concepts

Meitnerium

Meitnerium is a fascinating chemical element with the symbol Mt and atomic number 109. It is named in honor of Lise Meitner, a pioneering physicist who contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics.
Recognized as part of the transuranium elements, meitnerium is a synthetic and extremely radioactive element. It doesn't occur naturally and was first discovered in 1982 by a team in Germany.

• Meitnerium is produced by bombarding bismuth with iron ions.
• Due to its radioactive nature, meitnerium doesn't have practical applications yet, and its most stable isotope has a half-life of approximately 7.6 seconds.

Understanding meitnerium helps in the study of heavy elements and nuclear decay, as scientists continue to explore its characteristics and behavior.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is the chart that categorizes all known chemical elements in a systematic way. It organizes elements based on their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties.
This systematic structure allows for easy prediction of element behavior and their relationships to each other. Meitnerium, with atomic number 109, finds its place in period 7 and group 9 of this table.

• The periodic table is divided into periods (rows) and groups (columns).
• Groups typically have elements with similar chemical behavior, which is why meitnerium shares certain properties with other elements in its group, such as cobalt and iridium.
• As of now, the periodic table consists of 118 confirmed elements, which are continuously studied and reviewed.

With its standardized format, the periodic table is essential for studying elemental properties and relationships.

Noble Gas Notation

Noble gas notation is a convenient method for representing electron configurations using noble gases as a shortcut. This method helps simplify the representation of an atom's electrons, focusing only on the most recent additions.
In the case of meitnerium, noble gas notation significantly shortens its electron configuration.

• Start by identifying the noble gas preceding meitnerium in the periodic table, which is radon \((Rn)\).
• Then, add any remaining electron configuration: for meitnerium, it would be \[\text{[Rn]} 7s^2 5f^{14} 6d^7\].
• Using noble gas notation simplifies configurations, making them easier to understand and visualize, especially for elements with many electrons.

This method is particularly useful for large elements and is widely used by chemists and students to streamline complex electron configurations.

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are pure substances consisting entirely of one type of atom, denoted by a unique atomic number and symbol. Each element has distinct physical and chemical properties, which define how it reacts with other elements.
With a current count of 118 known elements, they form the building blocks of all matter in the universe. Meitnerium represents one of the heavier and artificial members of this elemental family.

• Every element can be found listed in the periodic table, offering a quick reference for their properties.
• Elements display a variety of properties: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids each exhibit unique characteristics.
• Reactivity, electrical conductivity, and melting points vary widely among elements, influenced by their electron configurations.

Understanding the nature and behavior of chemical elements is central to the study of chemistry and extends into fields like physics and biology.