Textbook Question
Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:
(b) Classify each oxide as basic, acidic, or amphoteric.
Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145
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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 22.44c
Consider the elements C, Se, B, Sn, and Cl. Identify which of these elements:
c. Is the best electrical conductor
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of elements given: C (Carbon), Se (Selenium), B (Boron), Sn (Tin), and Cl (Chlorine).
Recall that metals are generally good conductors of electricity due to their free-moving electrons.
Determine which of these elements is a metal.
Recognize that Sn (Tin) is a metal, while the others are nonmetals or metalloids.
Conclude that Sn (Tin) is the best electrical conductor among the given elements.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material to allow the flow of electric current. This property is influenced by the presence of free-moving charge carriers, such as electrons in metals. Generally, metals exhibit high conductivity due to their atomic structure, which allows electrons to move freely, while nonmetals typically have lower conductivity.
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01:40
Extensive Property Example
Metallic vs. Nonmetallic Elements
Elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals, such as Sn (tin) and Cl (chlorine), tend to be good conductors of electricity, while nonmetals, like C (carbon) and Se (selenium), are usually poor conductors. Understanding this classification helps in predicting the electrical behavior of different elements.
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03:30Transition Metals and Representative Elements
Comparison of Conductivity in Specific Elements
When comparing the electrical conductivity of specific elements, it is essential to consider their position in the periodic table and their metallic character. For instance, among the elements listed, Sn is a metal and is known for its good conductivity, while C can conduct electricity in certain forms (like graphite) but is generally less conductive than metals. This comparison aids in identifying the best electrical conductor among the given elements.
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02:35Elemental Forms of Elements
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Consider the elements N, Si, Al, S, and F. Identify which of these elements:
c. Is a semiconductor
Textbook Question
Which compound in each of the following pairs is more ionic?
(b) P4O6 or Ga2O3
Textbook Question
Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.
(c) Is extremely toxic
Textbook Question
Which compound in each of the following pairs is more ionic?
(d) BCl3 or AlCl3
Textbook Question
Give one example from main-group chemistry that illustrates each of the following descriptions.
d. Polar molecule that violates the octet rule