Textbook Question
Write balanced equations for the formation of the following compounds from their elements.(c) Uranium hexafluoride (a solid at 25 °C)
Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement170
- Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions160
- Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions169
- Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution199
- Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms102
- Ch.6 - Ionic Compounds: Periodic Trends and Bonding Theory92
- Ch.7 - Covalent Bonding and Electron-Dot Structures61
- Ch.8 - Covalent Compounds: Bonding Theories and Molecular Structure59
- Ch.9 - Thermochemistry: Chemical Energy122
- Ch.10 - Gases: Their Properties & Behavior155
- Ch.11 - Liquids & Phase Changes54
- Ch.12 - Solids and Solid-State Materials73
- Ch.13 - Solutions & Their Properties120
- Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics98
- Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium125
- Ch.16 - Aqueous Equilibria: Acids & Bases110
- Ch.17 - Applications of Aqueous Equilibria147
- Ch.18 - Thermodynamics: Entropy, Free Energy & Equilibrium86
- Ch.19 - Electrochemistry154
- Ch.20 - Nuclear Chemistry96
- Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry156
- Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements187
- Ch.23 - Organic and Biological Chemistry51
Chapter 22, Problem 103
The organ pipes in unheated northern European churches are often observed to be pitted and crumbling to powder in places. Suggest an explanation, given that the pipes are made from tin.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the properties of tin. Tin is a metal that can exist in different allotropes, primarily white tin (β-tin) and gray tin (α-tin). White tin is metallic and stable at room temperature, while gray tin is non-metallic and stable at lower temperatures.
Step 2: Consider the environmental conditions. In unheated northern European churches, the temperature can drop significantly, especially during winter months.
Step 3: Explore the concept of 'tin pest.' At low temperatures, white tin can transform into gray tin, a process known as 'tin pest' or 'tin disease.' This transformation causes the metal to become brittle and crumble.
Step 4: Relate the transformation to the observed phenomenon. The pitting and crumbling of the organ pipes can be attributed to the conversion of white tin to gray tin due to the cold temperatures in the unheated churches.
Step 5: Conclude with the impact of temperature on tin. The structural integrity of the organ pipes is compromised as the tin undergoes this phase change, leading to the observed deterioration.
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a chemical process where metals react with environmental factors, leading to deterioration. In the case of tin pipes, exposure to moisture and pollutants can initiate corrosion, resulting in pitting and crumbling. This process is accelerated in environments with high humidity or acidic conditions, which are common in unheated churches.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:37
Chemical Properties
Tin Oxidation
Tin can oxidize when exposed to air and moisture, forming tin oxide. This oxide layer can protect the underlying metal to some extent, but if the protective layer is compromised, further oxidation can occur, leading to structural weakness. The presence of acidic substances can also enhance this oxidation process, contributing to the degradation of the pipes.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:58Oxide Reactions
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of pollutants play a significant role in the corrosion of metals. In northern European churches, the cold and damp conditions can create an ideal environment for corrosion to occur. Additionally, pollutants from the air can react with the metal, exacerbating the deterioration of the tin pipes.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:56Conversion Factors