Textbook Question
Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.
(a) Is the most abundant element of the group
Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
Chapter 22, Problem 81
Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.
(a) Has an unusually low melting point
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements in group 3A (13) of the periodic table: Boron (B), Aluminum (Al), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), and Thallium (Tl).
Recall that melting point is a physical property that can vary significantly among elements in the same group.
Consider the general trend in melting points within group 3A: Boron has a high melting point, while the melting points of the other elements are lower.
Research or recall specific melting points for each element in group 3A to identify which one has an unusually low melting point.
Compare the melting points: Boron (high), Aluminum (moderate), Gallium (very low), Indium (moderate), Thallium (moderate).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Group 3A Elements
Group 3A (or Group 13) of the periodic table includes elements such as boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium. These elements have three valence electrons and exhibit a range of physical and chemical properties. Understanding their position in the periodic table helps in predicting their behavior, including trends in melting points.
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Group 3A vs. Group 2A Elements
Melting Point Trends
Melting point is the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid. In general, melting points of elements can vary significantly within a group due to differences in atomic structure and bonding. For Group 3A elements, factors such as metallic bonding and molecular structure influence their melting points, with some elements exhibiting notably low melting points.
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04:29Boiling Point and Melting Point
Gallium's Unique Properties
Gallium is a notable Group 3A element that has an unusually low melting point of about 29.76 °C (85.57 °F), allowing it to melt in the palm of a hand. This property is attributed to its metallic bonding and the presence of a relatively weak crystal lattice structure. Recognizing gallium's unique characteristics is essential for identifying it in the context of the question.
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02:54Physical Properties
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.
(b) Is stable in the +1 oxidation state
Textbook Question
Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.
(c) Is a semiconductor
Textbook Question
What is the most common oxidation state for each of the
group 3A elements?
Textbook Question
(a) Describe what is meant by an electron-deficient molecule.