Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/html/web/app/themes/studypress-core-theme/template-parts/header/mobile-offcanvas.php on line 20

State whether each of the following elements is a gas, liquid, or solid under atmospheric conditions. Also state whether it exists in the elemental form as atoms, molecules, or a three-dimensional network: \(\mathrm{Mg}, \mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Si},\) \(\mathrm{Kr}, \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{I}, \mathrm{Hg}, \mathrm{Br}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
\(\mathrm{Mg}\) solid, network; \(\mathrm{Cl}_2\) gas, molecule; \(\mathrm{Si}\) solid, network; \(\mathrm{Kr}\) gas, atomic; \(\mathrm{O}_2\) gas, molecule; \(\mathrm{I}_2\) solid, molecule; \(\mathrm{Hg}\) liquid, atomic; \(\mathrm{Br}_2\) liquid, molecule.

Step by step solution

Achieve better grades quicker with Premium

  • Unlimited AI interaction
  • Study offline
  • Say goodbye to ads
  • Export flashcards

Over 22 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

01

Identify Element Types

First, determine whether each element is a metal, nonmetal, or a noble gas. \(\mathrm{Mg}\), \(\mathrm{Si}\), and \(\mathrm{Hg}\) are metals or metalloids; \(\mathrm{Cl}\), \(\mathrm{O}\), \(\mathrm{I}\), and \(\mathrm{Br}\) are nonmetals; and \(\mathrm{Kr}\) is a noble gas.
02

Determine State Under Atmospheric Conditions

At room temperature (approximately 25°C) and atmospheric pressure, metals like \(\mathrm{Mg}\) and \(\mathrm{Si}\) are solids; noble gases like \(\mathrm{Kr}\) are gases. \(\mathrm{Hg}\) is an unusual metal that is liquid at room temperature, while \(\mathrm{Cl}_2\) and \(\mathrm{O}_2\) are gases, \(\mathrm{I}_2\) is a solid, and \(\mathrm{Br}_2\) is a liquid.
03

Determine Molecular Structure

Elemental forms can exist as single atoms, diatomic molecules, or more complex structures. \(\mathrm{Kr}\) exists as atoms due to its noble gas status. \(\mathrm{Cl}_2\), \(\mathrm{O}_2\), and \(\mathrm{I}_2\) are diatomic molecules. \(\mathrm{Br}_2\) is also diatomic in nature. \(\mathrm{Mg}\) and \(\mathrm{Si}\) form a three-dimensional network, while \(\mathrm{Hg}\) is considered atomic for practical purposes.
04

Compile Results

Summarize the findings: \(\mathrm{Mg}\) is a solid, three-dimensional network; \(\mathrm{Cl}_2\) is a gas, diatomic molecule; \(\mathrm{Si}\) is a solid, three-dimensional network; \(\mathrm{Kr}\) is a gas, atomic; \(\mathrm{O}_2\) is a gas, diatomic molecule; \(\mathrm{I}_2\) is a solid, diatomic molecule; \(\mathrm{Hg}\) is a liquid, atomic; \(\mathrm{Br}_2\) is a liquid, diatomic molecule.

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Elemental Forms
Elements can have different states and forms based on temperature and pressure conditions. At atmospheric conditions, elements may exist as individual atoms, molecules, or as part of a complex structure. Elemental forms help determine the physical state—solid, liquid, or gas—of each element under normal conditions.

Some elements exist as individual atoms or as diatomic molecules. For example:
  • Noble gases like Neon and Krypton exist as single atoms due to their stable electron configuration.
  • Nonmetals such as Oxygen ( O_2 ) and Chlorine ( Cl_2 ) typically exist as diatomic molecules, meaning two atoms are bonded together.
Metals typically arrange in complex lattice structures, a sort of three-dimensional network that gives them distinct solid-state properties.
Atomic Structure
The atomic structure refers to the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons within an atom. This structure is the foundation of an element's properties and behavior.

Protons and neutrons are housed in the atom's nucleus, while electrons orbit around it in different shells. Elements are characterized by their atomic number, representing the number of protons in the nucleus, which directly relates to the element's position on the periodic table.
  • For example, Magnesium ( Mg ) has 12 protons and an arranged structure contributing to its solid metallic state.
  • Similarly, noble gases like Krypton ( Kr ) have full outer electron shells, meaning they're less likely to react with other elements and often exist as single atoms.
Molecular Structure
When atoms bond together, they form a molecular structure, which can influence an element's state of matter and reactivity. Molecular structures can vary from simple diatomic molecules to complex polymers and networks.

A common molecular form is the diatomic molecule:
  • Oxygen ( O_2 ) and Chlorine ( Cl_2 ) are examples where the same type of atoms bond in pairs, leading to similar gaseous forms at atmospheric pressure.
In contrast, the molecular structure of elements in complex lattices can result in a solid state, as seen in metals.
Three-Dimensional Networks
Some elements, especially metals and certain metalloids, form three-dimensional networks. These networks consist of an arranged structure of atoms connected in a repeating pattern. The strong bonds in these structures give metals their hardness, high melting points, and electrical conductivity.

Magnesium ( Mg ) is an example of an element that structures itself in a three-dimensional lattice, contributing to its solid metallic characteristics under standard temperature and pressure. Silicon ( Si ), a metalloid, also forms a three-dimensional network that underlies its solid state, making it integral in modern electronics.
Diatomic Molecules
Diatomic molecules are molecules composed of only two atoms, which can be of the same or different chemical elements. Most nonmetallic elements form diatomic molecules, especially when they exist in gaseous forms at room temperature.

Examples include:
  • Oxygen ( O_2 )
  • Chlorine ( Cl_2 )
  • Iodine ( I_2 ) typically exists as a solid under room conditions but forms diatomic bonds when not in solid form.
Diatomic molecules generally have strong covalent bonds that stabilize the molecule.
Noble Gases
Noble gases are found in Group 18 of the periodic table and share specific characteristics due to their full valence electron shells, making them largely nonreactive.

Due to their inert nature, noble gases like Krypton ( Kr ) exist as individual atoms rather than bonding in molecular form. This atomic-level singularity is why they remain gaseous under various conditions and rarely participate in chemical reactions.

These properties make noble gases useful in applications requiring nonreactive elements, such as lighting and inert atmospheres for chemical processes.
Metals and Nonmetals
Elements are classified as metals or nonmetals based on their properties. Metals, like Magnesium ( Mg ) and Mercury ( Hg ), often have attributes like luster, conductivity, and the ability to form positive ions.

Nonmetals, such as Chlorine ( Cl ), Iodine ( I ), and Oxygen ( O ), are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity and form negative ions.

At standard atmospheric conditions:
  • Mercury ( Hg ) is unique among metals since it is one of the few that is liquid at room temperature.
  • Iodine ( I_2 ) typically exists as a solid.
Understanding the classification helps with predicting the element's behavior and applications in various scientific and industrial fields.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free