Q. 4.14 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Using Table 4.4, identify the function of each of the following in the body and classify each as an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition element, or a halogen:
 a. Mg
 b. Cu
 c. I
 d. Na

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Mg: Alkaline earth metal.

(b) Cu: Metal. 

(c) I: Halogen. 

(d) Na: Alkali metal .

Part(a) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Magnesium(Mg)

We need to identify it's function and classify it as metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(a) Step2 : Simplify.

Mg: Alkaline earth metal

• Functions  for metabolic reaction
•  Huge part of bones.

Part(b) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Copper(Cu)

We need to identify it's function and classify it as metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(b) Step2 : Simplify.

Cu: Metal

• Needed for blood vessels.
•  Blood pressure.
•  Immune system.

Part(c) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Iodine(I)

We need to identify it's function and classify it as metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(c) Step2 : Simplify.

I: Halogen.

Needed for proper functioning of thyroid.

Part(d) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Sodium(Na)

We need to identify it's function and classify it as metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(d) Step2 : Simplify.

Na: Alkali metal.

• Needed for muscle contraction.
•  Nerve impulses.
• Water balance.
• Most prevalent positive ion.