Problem 58 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

It is possible to define metallic character as we do in this book and base it on the reactivity of the element and the ease with which it loses electrons. Alternatively, one could measure how well electricity is conducted by each of the elements to determine how "metallic" the elements are. On the basis of conductivity, there is not much of a trend in the periodic table: Silver is the most conductive metal, and manganese the least. Look up the first ionization energies of silver and manganese; which of these two elements would you call more metallic based on the way we define it in this book?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Based on the first ionization energies (Silver: 731 kJ/mol, Manganese: 717 kJ/mol), manganese is more metallic than silver, as it has a lower ionization energy, indicating that it loses electrons more easily.

Step 1: Look up the first ionization energies of silver and manganese

To compare the metallic character of silver and manganese, we first need to find their first ionization energies. The first ionization energy is the energy required to remove one electron from a neutral atom. First Ionization energy of Silver (Ag): 731 kJ/mol First Ionization energy of Manganese (Mn): 717 kJ/mol

Step 2: Compare the first ionization energies

Now that we have the first ionization energies for both silver and manganese, let's compare them. First Ionization energy of Silver (Ag): 731 kJ/mol First Ionization energy of Manganese (Mn): 717 kJ/mol It can be observed that the first ionization energy of manganese is less than that of silver.

Step 3: Determine metallic character

Since the ionization energy of manganese is lower than that of silver, it means that manganese loses electrons more easily than silver. Based on the definition for metallic character in the book, which considers reactivity and the ease with which an element loses electrons, manganese is more metallic than silver.