Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 103b

Chapter 2, Problem 103b

The first atoms of seaborgium (Sg) were identified in 1974. The longest-lived isotope of Sg has a mass number of 266. (b) Atoms of Sg are very unstable, and it is therefore difficult to study this element's properties. Based on the position of Sg in the periodic table, what element should it most closely resemble in its chemical properties?

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Identify the group in the periodic table where seaborgium (Sg) is located. Seaborgium is a member of the d-block elements, specifically in Group 6.

Examine the periodic trend and the concept of periodicity, which states that elements in the same group often exhibit similar chemical properties due to having the same number of electrons in their outermost shell.

Identify the other elements in Group 6 to find which elements are in the same group as seaborgium. These elements include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and seaborgium (Sg).

Understand that the element directly above seaborgium in Group 6 is tungsten (W).

Conclude that seaborgium (Sg) should most closely resemble tungsten (W) in its chemical properties, as they are both in the same group and elements in the same group typically share similar properties.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Periodic Table Trends

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number and similar chemical properties. Elements in the same group (column) typically exhibit similar behaviors due to their valence electron configurations. Understanding these trends helps predict the properties of elements, including seaborgium (Sg), based on its position in the table.

Chemical Similarity and Group Characteristics

Elements that are in the same group of the periodic table share similar chemical properties due to their similar electron configurations. For seaborgium, which is located in group 6, it is expected to resemble other group 6 elements, such as tungsten (W) and molybdenum (Mo), in terms of reactivity and bonding behavior.

Isotopes and Stability

Isotopes are variants of elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, affecting their stability. Seaborgium has isotopes with varying stability, with the longest-lived isotope being 266. The instability of Sg isotopes complicates the study of its properties, making predictions based on theoretical models and comparisons to more stable elements necessary.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

It is common in mass spectrometry to assume that the mass of a cation is the same as that of its parent atom. (b) What percentage of the mass of an 1H atom does the electron represent?

Textbook Question

From the following list of elements—Ar, H, Ga, Al, Ca, Br, Ge, K, O—pick the one that best fits each description. Use each element only once: (a) an alkali metal, (b) an alkaline earth metal, (c) a noble gas, (d) a halogen, (e) a metalloid, (f) a nonmetal listed in group 1A, (g) a metal that forms a 3+ ion, (h) a nonmetal that forms a 2- ion, (i) an element that resembles aluminum.

Textbook Question

The first atoms of seaborgium (Sg) were identified in 1974. The longest-lived isotope of Sg has a mass number of 266. (a) How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are in an ²⁶⁶Sg atom?

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Textbook Question

From the molecular structures shown here, identify the one that corresponds to each of the following species: (a) chlorine gas; (b) propane; (c) nitrate ion; (d) sulfur trioxide; (e) methyl chloride, CH3Cl.

Textbook Question

Fill in the blanks in the following table:

Cation Anion Formula Name

Lithium oxide

Fe²⁺ PO₄^3-

Al₂(SO₄)₃

Copper(II) nitrate

Cr³⁺I⁻

MnClO₂

Ammonium carbonate

Zinc perchlorate

Complete the first column of the table.