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Ch.8 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 8, Problem 49a

Name an element in the fourth period (row) of the periodic table with the following: a. five valence electrons

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1. The fourth period (row) of the periodic table refers to the elements with atomic numbers ranging from 19 (Potassium) to 36 (Krypton).
2. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. They are the electrons that are involved in chemical reactions and bonding.
3. The number of valence electrons corresponds to the group number of the element in the periodic table. For example, elements in Group 1 have one valence electron, elements in Group 2 have two valence electrons, and so on.
4. To find an element with five valence electrons in the fourth period, look for the element in Group 15 (or Group 5A in some versions of the periodic table) of the fourth period.
5. The element in Group 15 of the fourth period is the one you're looking for. Remember, you don't need to calculate the final result, just identify the element based on its position in the periodic table.

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Key Concepts

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

Periodic Table

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are arranged in rows called periods and columns known as groups. The fourth period includes elements with atomic numbers 19 to 36, which have varying numbers of valence electrons depending on their group.
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Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are crucial for determining an element's chemical properties and reactivity. The number of valence electrons influences how an element bonds with others. For example, elements in group 15 of the periodic table have five valence electrons, which is essential for forming compounds.
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Element Identification

Identifying an element based on its position in the periodic table involves understanding its group and period characteristics. In the fourth period, elements such as phosphorus (atomic number 15) and arsenic (atomic number 33) have five valence electrons, making them suitable examples for the question posed.
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