Chapter 7: Problem 98
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
Step by step solution
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Elemental Forms
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.
Atomic Structure
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
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.
Three-Dimensional Networks
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
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.
Noble Gases
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
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.