Question

Infer Xenon, a nonreactive gas used in strobe lights, is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Would you expect xenon to be a metal, a nonmetal, or a metalloid? Where would you expect it to be on the periodic table? Explain.

Short answer

Xenon is likely to be a nonmetal due to its poor conductivity of heat and electricity. It is also a nonreactive gas, which indicates that it is from the noble gases group. Therefore, Xenon can be expected to be found in Group 18 on the right-hand side of the periodic table.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids

Metals are generally good conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals are usually poor conductors. Metalloids have intermediate properties between metals and nonmetals. Given the information that Xenon is a poor conductor of both heat and electricity, we can preliminarily conclude that Xenon is likely to be a nonmetal based purely on its conductivity properties.

Determining the position of Xenon on the periodic table

The elements in the periodic table are arranged according to their atomic number and general properties. Metals are found on the left-hand side, while nonmetals are located on the right-hand side of the periodic table. Metalloids are found between metals and nonmetals, typically along the staircase-shaped line dividing the two groups. Since we have established Xenon as a likely nonmetal, we can predict it to be on the right-hand side of the periodic table.

Identifying Xenon's group in the periodic table

Xenon is a nonreactive gas, which is a property of the noble gases. The noble gases are found in Group 18 (the last column) of the periodic table. Therefore, we can expect Xenon to be in Group 18 of the periodic table.

Conclusion: Classifying Xenon as a nonmetal and locating it in the periodic table

Based on the properties provided, Xenon is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, which suggests it is a nonmetal. It is also a nonreactive gas, which places it in the noble gas category. Consequently, we expect Xenon to be a nonmetal located in Group 18 on the right-hand side of the periodic table.

Key concepts

Properties of Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

When exploring the periodic table, you'll notice that elements are characterized by their unique set of properties. Metals are usually shiny, densely packed, and capable of conducting heat and electricity effectively. They are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be stretched into wires).

In contrast, nonmetals exhibit quite different traits. They are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity, making them insulative materials. These elements can be gases, like nitrogen and oxygen, or they can be brittle when solid, like sulfur.

As for metalloids, they straddle the line between metals and nonmetals, possessing a mixed bag of characteristics. Silicon and germanium, for instance, conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals, which makes them perfect for use in electronic devices.

Periodic Table Group Classification

The periodic table groups elements according to their electronic structure, which determines their properties. The table is designed with columns, known as groups, and rows called periods.

Metals dominate the table's left side, transitioning to metalloids near the center, and giving way to nonmetals on the right. The staircase-shaped line on the table helps to distinguish metals from nonmetals and clues us in on where to find metalloids.

Within these groups, elements exhibit similar valence electron configurations, which leads to resemblances in their chemical behavior. For instance, alkali metals in Group 1 react vigorously with water, whereas noble gases in Group 18 are largely inert.

Conductivity of Elements

Conductivity, the ability of an element to transmit heat or electricity, is a key property used to differentiate between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals are excellent conductors due to the 'sea of electrons' that can move freely within their lattice structure.

Nonmetals, lacking this freedom of electron movement, are usually poor conductors and are considered insulators. Metalloids, however, have a conductivity that falls between metals and nonmetals. This semiconducting behavior is invaluable in technology, particularly in the manufacture of electronic components where controlled conductivity is crucial.

Noble Gases

At the far right of the periodic table lies a unique family of elements known as the noble gases. These gases, which include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon, are characterized by their extraordinary lack of reactivity. This stems from their full valence shells, which render them chemically stable and largely nonreactive under standard conditions.

Noble gases are used in a variety of applications that exploit their inertness, such as providing safe environments for chemical reactions and filling light bulbs to improve longevity and efficiency. With xenon being part of this group, its identity as a nonmetal that is a poor conductor of heat and electricity is reinforced, aligning with the properties we expect of noble gases.