Question

Give the group number and period number for each of the following elements: a. radon b. arsenic c. carbon d. neon

Short answer

Radon: Group 18, Period 6; Arsenic: Group 15, Period 4; Carbon: Group 14, Period 2; Neon: Group 18, Period 2.

Step-by-step solution

- Identify radon on the periodic table

Locate radon (Rn) in the periodic table. Radon is a noble gas found in Group 18 and Period 6.

- Identify arsenic on the periodic table

Locate arsenic (As) in the periodic table. Arsenic is found in Group 15 and Period 4.

- Identify carbon on the periodic table

Locate carbon (C) in the periodic table. Carbon is found in Group 14 and Period 2.

- Identify neon on the periodic table

Locate neon (Ne) in the periodic table. Neon is a noble gas found in Group 18 and Period 2.

Key concepts

Group Number

In the periodic table, elements are organized into vertical columns called groups. Each group contains elements with similar properties.
For example:

• Group 18 is known for noble gases like radon and neon.
• Group 15 includes elements like arsenic, which are known for forming compounds with similar properties.
• Group 14 includes carbon, known for its versatility in forming different compounds.

Understanding group numbers helps in predicting the chemical behavior of an element.

Period Number

The horizontal rows in the periodic table are called periods. Each period indicates the energy levels that are filled with electrons as you move across a row.

• For instance, radon is placed in Period 6, indicating that it has six electron shells.
• Arsenic is in Period 4, showing four electron shells.
• Carbon is in Period 2, meaning it has two electron shells.
• Neon is also in Period 2, sharing the same number of electron shells as carbon.

Knowing the period number helps you understand the electron configuration of an element, which in turn affects its chemical properties.

Element Identification

Identifying elements on the periodic table is crucial for understanding their properties and uses.
Here's how to identify some specific elements from the exercise:

• Radon (Rn) is a noble gas found in Group 18 and Period 6.
• Arsenic (As) is located in Group 15 and Period 4, known for its metalloid properties.
• Carbon (C), in Group 14 and Period 2, is a nonmetal with vast applications in both organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Neon (Ne) is another noble gas in Group 18 and Period 2, often used in neon signs.

By learning to locate these elements, you'll get better at understanding their roles in various chemical reactions and practical applications.

Noble Gases

Noble gases are elements found in Group 18 of the periodic table. They are known for their exceptional stability and low reactivity due to having a full set of electrons in their outer shell.
Characteristics of noble gases include:

• Radon (found in Period 6) and Neon (found in Period 2) are both noble gases.
• Stable electron configuration makes them unreactive under standard conditions.
• They are often used in lighting (like neon lights) and other applications where non-reactive environments are needed.

Understanding noble gases helps you appreciate how some elements are uniquely stable and useful in specific tech and industrial applications.