Question

Element 106 has been named seaborgium, \(\mathrm{Sg}\), in honor of Glenn Seaborg, discoverer of the first transuranium element. a. Write the expected electron configuration for element 106 . b. What other element would be most like element 106 in its properties? c. Write the formula for a possible oxide and a possible oxyanion of element 106 .

Short answer

a. The electron configuration for element 106 (Seaborgium, Sg) is: \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{2}3d^{10}4p^{6}5s^{2}4d^{10}5p^{6}6s^{2}4f^{14}5d^{18}6p^{6}7s^{2}5f^{14}6d^{4}\) b. Tungsten (W) has a similar electron configuration and is also in group 6, so it is expected to have similar properties to Seaborgium. c. The possible oxide for Seaborgium would be SgO3, and the possible oxyanion would be SgO4^(2-).

Step-by-step solution

a. Electron configuration

To find the electron configuration for element 106 (Seaborgium, Sg), we need to distribute the 106 electrons among the available subshells. The order to fill the subshells is given by the following sequence: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d We can stop after filling the 6d subshell since it covers 106 electrons. The electron configuration is: \[1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{2}3d^{10}4p^{6}5s^{2}4d^{10}5p^{6}6s^{2}4f^{14}5d^{18}6p^{6}7s^{2}5f^{14}6d^{4}\]

b. Similar element

An element with similar properties to Seaborgium would belong to the same group in the periodic table. Since Seaborgium has 6 electrons in its last d subshell, it belongs to group 6. Tungsten (W) has a similar electron configuration and is also in group 6, so it is expected to have similar properties to Seaborgium.

c. Possible oxide and oxyanion

To predict the oxide and oxyanion for Seaborgium, we need to consider its typical oxidation state. Element of group 6 generally have an oxidation state of +6. So, the possible oxide would be SgO3 and the possible oxyanion would be SgO4^(2-).

Key concepts

Electron Configuration

An electron configuration describes how electrons are distributed in an atom's orbitals. It's crucial for understanding an element's chemical properties. Seaborgium (Sg), element 106, follows a specific order as its electrons fill available subshells. For Seaborgium, we use:

• 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d

The order shows which subshell electrons enter first based on their energy levels. Seaborgium accommodates 106 electrons, resulting in the configuration:\[1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{2}3d^{10}4p^{6}5s^{2}4d^{10}5p^{6}6s^{2}4f^{14}5d^{10}6p^{6}7s^{2}5f^{14}6d^{4}\]Understanding this configuration helps predict how Seaborgium interacts with other elements.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is an organizing system for the elements, allowing us to predict properties and chemical behavior based on position. Seaborgium, as a transuranium element, is found in the actinide series within the table. Being in group 6, Seaborgium shares traits with tungsten (W), known for having similar chemical behavior. Looking at its group:

• Seaborgium aligns with other transition metals.
• These metals typically have complex electron configurations, giving rise to unique chemical characteristics.

By situating Seaborgium in the periodic table, we can infer its reactivity and bonding tendencies which align with other group 6 metals.

Oxidation State

The oxidation state of an element refers to its degree of oxidation or reduction; essentially, it's a measure of the electrons that are gained, lost, or shared in bonding. Seaborgium, like other members of group 6, often takes an oxidation state of +6. This influences how it forms compounds, such as oxides.Potential compounds include:

• Oxide: SgO\(_3\)
• Oxyanion: SgO\(_4^{2-}\)

By understanding oxidation states, we can anticipate the types of chemical interactions an element might participate in, predicting its role in compound formation.

Transuranium Element

Transuranium elements are those beyond uranium on the periodic table (atomic number 92). These elements, such as Seaborgium with atomic number 106, are artificially synthesized in laboratories rather than found in nature. Key characteristics include:

• Typically unstable with short half-lives, making them less commonly encountered.
• They expand our understanding of chemical properties and forces in extreme nuclei.

The synthesis of Seaborgium honors Glenn Seaborg, a pioneering chemist in the discovery of transuranium elements. This field continues to capture the curiosity of scientists, pushing the boundaries of chemistry and physics.