Question

Give the chemical symbol of each of the following elements. a. a metal used in thermometers b. a radioactive gas used to predict earthquakes; the noble gas with the greatest atomic mass c. a coating for food cans; it is the metal in group 14 with the lowest atomic mass d. an inner transition metal that is used to make burglar-proof vaults; also the name of a coin

Short answer

a. \(Hg\) b. \(Rn\) c. \(Sn\) d. \(Ni\)

Step-by-step solution

a. A metal used in thermometers

The metal used in thermometers is mercury. Its chemical symbol is \(Hg\).

b. A noble gas used to predict earthquakes; the noble gas with the greatest atomic mass

The noble gas with the greatest atomic mass is radon. It is used in predicting earthquakes and has the chemical symbol \(Rn\).

c. A metal used for coating food cans; the metal in group 14 with the lowest atomic mass

The metal in group 14 with the lowest atomic mass is tin, which is used for coating food cans. Its chemical symbol is \(Sn\).

d. An inner transition metal used for making burglar-proof vaults; also the name of a coin

The inner transition metal used for making burglar-proof vaults and also the name of a coin is nickel. Its chemical symbol is \(Ni\).

Key concepts

Understanding the Periodic Table

The periodic table serves as an invaluable tool for scientists and students alike. It organizes all known chemical elements into a grid according to increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Elements in the same column, known as a 'group,' exhibit similar chemical properties. For example, group 14 contains carbon (C), and silicon (Si), and as the solution indicates, tin (Sn) with the lowest atomic mass in that group.

Each element in the periodic table has a unique chemical symbol, typically derived from its English name or its Latin name, such as mercury's symbol, \(Hg\), coming from its Latin name 'Hydrargyrum.' Understanding how to navigate the periodic table helps in identifying various elements and their attributes like whether it's a metal like mercury (Hg), a noble gas like radon (Rn), or a metal used for coatings such as tin (Sn).

Chemical Elements and Their Symbols

Chemical elements are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom. There are over 100 different chemical elements, and each possesses its own unique properties and atomic structure. The exercise demonstrates how these elements fulfill specific roles, such as mercury's use in thermometers and tin's application in food can coatings. Their chemical symbols, shorthand representations of their names, provide a universal language for scientists. \(Hg\), \(Rn\), \(Sn\), and \(Ni\) are symbols for mercury, radon, tin, and nickel, respectively.

When learning about elements, we discover relationships between their use and their place on the periodic table. For instance, radon, with the symbol \(Rn\), is a noble gas found in group 18, known for having the greatest atomic mass within its group and is also utilized in earthquake prediction techniques.

Atomic Mass and Its Significance

Atomic mass, measured in atomic mass units (amu), represents an element's mass and is roughly equivalent to the number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus. The solution discusses atomic mass when referring to tin (\(Sn\)) as the metal in group 14 with the lowest atomic mass. A lower atomic mass implies tin has fewer protons and neutrons compared to other elements in its group.

The atomic mass is fundamental in determining an element's characteristics and how it reacts chemically. For example, the atomic mass of a heavier noble gas like radon (\(Rn\)) will affect its physical properties, such as its density and melting point. Furthermore, atomic mass plays a crucial role in a variety of scientific calculations, including stoichiometry, where the mass of reactants and products in a chemical reaction are crucial for quantitatively describing the conversion.