Problem 96 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

The first atoms of seaborgium (Sg) were identified in 1974 . The longest-lived isotope of \(S g\) has a mass number of 266. (a) How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are in an \({ }^{266} \mathrm{Sg}\) atom? (b) Atoms of \(\mathrm{Sg}\) are very unstable, and it is therefore difficult to study this element's properties. Based on the position of \(S g\) in the periodic table, what element should it most closely resemble in its chemical properties?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

An \({ }^{266}\mathrm{Sg}\) atom has 106 protons, 106 electrons, and 160 neutrons. Based on its position in the periodic table, seaborgium (Sg) should most closely resemble tungsten (W) in its chemical properties.

Step 1: Find the atomic number of seaborgium (Sg)

In order to determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in a seaborgium atom, first, refer to the periodic table and find the atomic number of seaborgium (Sg). The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom. From the periodic table, we find out that the atomic number of seaborgium (Sg) is 106.

Step 2: Calculate the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in a seaborgium atom

Using the atomic number and mass number of seaborgium, we can calculate the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in an \({ }^{266}\mathrm{Sg}\) atom. - Number of Protons = Atomic Number = 106 - Number of Electrons = Atomic Number (since the atom is neutral) = 106 - Number of Neutrons = Mass Number - Atomic Number = 266 - 106 = 160 So, an \({ }^{266}\mathrm{Sg}\) atom has 106 protons, 106 electrons, and 160 neutrons.

Step 3: Identify the element that seaborgium most closely resembles in chemical properties

To find out which element seaborgium should most closely resemble in its chemical properties, we need to consider its position in the periodic table. Elements in the same group (vertical column) usually have similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons. Seaborgium is in group 6 along with elements like chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). Based on its position in the periodic table, seaborgium (Sg) should most closely resemble tungsten (W) in its chemical properties because tungsten is the most similar element that comes before seaborgium in the same group.

Key Concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a powerful tool that organizes all known elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It is structured in rows and columns, where each row is called a period and each column is known as a group.

• Elements in the same group share similar properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.
• Seaborgium (Sg) is positioned in group 6, which contains elements like chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W).

Understanding an element's position in the table allows us to make educated guesses about its properties, even if the element itself is difficult to study.

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental characteristic of an element and defines the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is the key to identifying an element on the periodic table.

• For seaborgium, the atomic number is 106, meaning it has 106 protons.
• This number also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom, maintaining electrical neutrality.

Knowing the atomic number helps in identifying and differentiating elements, since no two different elements can have the same atomic number.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that share the same number of protons but have different numbers of neutrons.

• The mass number of an isotope is the sum of its protons and neutrons.
• For example, egin{equation} {}^{266}Sg ext{ contains 106 protons and } 266 - 106 = 160 ext{ neutrons.} egin{equation}

Isotopes may vary in stability, and seaborgium's isotopes are generally unstable, making them challenging to study.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties refer to an element's ability to undergo certain chemical changes or reactions based on its electron configuration.

• Seaborgium's chemical properties remain largely theoretical due to its instability.
• Based on its group 6 position, it is expected to behave similarly to tungsten (W).

Elements in the same group usually have comparable reactivity and tendencies, allowing us to predict chemical behaviors across the table.