Question

What is the group number and number of valence electrons for each of the following elements? a. lithium b. silicon c. neon d. argon e. tin f. boron

Short answer

Lithium: Group 1, 1 valence electron. Silicon: Group 14, 4 valence electrons. Neon: Group 18, 8 valence electrons. Argon: Group 18, 8 valence electrons. Tin: Group 14, 4 valence electrons. Boron: Group 13, 3 valence electrons.

Step-by-step solution

- Find Lithium in the Periodic Table

Locate lithium (Li) in the periodic table. Identify its group and number of valence electrons. Lithium is in Group 1. Thus, lithium has 1 valence electron.

- Find Silicon in the Periodic Table

Locate silicon (Si) in the periodic table. Identify its group and number of valence electrons. Silicon is in Group 14. Thus, silicon has 4 valence electrons.

- Find Neon in the Periodic Table

Locate neon (Ne) in the periodic table. Identify its group and number of valence electrons. Neon is in Group 18. Thus, neon has 8 valence electrons.

- Find Argon in the Periodic Table

Locate argon (Ar) in the periodic table. Identify its group and number of valence electrons. Argon is in Group 18. Thus, argon has 8 valence electrons.

- Find Tin in the Periodic Table

Locate tin (Sn) in the periodic table. Identify its group and number of valence electrons. Tin is in Group 14. Thus, tin has 4 valence electrons.

- Find Boron in the Periodic Table

Locate boron (B) in the periodic table. Identify its group and number of valence electrons. Boron is in Group 13. Thus, boron has 3 valence electrons.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a fundamental tool in chemistry that organizes all known chemical elements in a tabular format. Each element is placed in a specific location based on its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus. The table is structured in rows called periods and columns called groups.

One of the main features of the periodic table is that it allows scientists and students to quickly locate elements and predict their chemical properties. Each column or group in the periodic table contains elements with similar chemical behaviors because they have the same number of valence electrons. Understanding the layout of the periodic table helps in determining the characteristics and reactivity of different elements.

For example, when you locate lithium (Li) on the periodic table in Group 1, you can immediately ascertain that it has 1 valence electron, which influences its reactivity and bonding patterns.

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom. These elements are represented by unique symbols on the periodic table. For instance, H stands for hydrogen, Li for lithium, and Ne for neon.

An element's chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in its atoms. The electrons are distributed in different shells around the nucleus, with the outermost shell being the most crucial for chemical reactions. These outer electrons are known as valence electrons.

Each element's place on the periodic table helps determine its number of valence electrons. For example, silicon (Si), which is found in Group 14, has 4 valence electrons. This information is fundamental in predicting how an element will interact with other substances. Understanding elements and their properties form the basis for studying compounds, reactions, and much more in chemistry.

Group Number

The group number on the periodic table is a key identifier for the columns in the table, each containing elements with similar properties. Groups are numbered from 1 to 18 in modern periodic tables. Elements in the same group share the same number of valence electrons, which directly affects their chemical reactivity and bonding.

Knowing the group number is essential for finding the number of valence electrons for an element. For instance:

• Lithium (Li) in Group 1 has 1 valence electron.
• Silicon (Si) in Group 14 has 4 valence electrons.
• Neon (Ne) in Group 18 has 8 valence electrons, making it very stable.
• Argon (Ar), also in Group 18, has 8 valence electrons, contributing to its inert nature.
• Tin (Sn) in Group 14 has 4 valence electrons, influencing its metallic characteristics.
• Boron (B) in Group 13 has 3 valence electrons, which affects its chemical bonds.

Understanding these relationships helps predict and explain the behavior of elements during chemical reactions, enhancing your comprehension of chemical concepts.