Question

New Heavy Element If scientists discovered an element with 117 protons, what would be the its group and period? Would it be a metal, a metalloid, or a nonmetal?

Short answer

The new element with 117 protons would be in Group 17 and Period 7 of the Periodic Table. Based on its location, it would be a non-metal.

Step-by-step solution

Determine_if_Metal_Metalloid_or_Non-Metal

Group 17 elements have seven valence electrons and are highly electronegative. They tend to gain one electron to achieve full outer electron shells. The elements in Group 17 are called Halogens and are mostly non-metals. Thus, the newly discovered element with 117 protons would be a non-metal. #Conclusion# The new element with 117 protons would have the following properties: 1. Group: 17 2. Period: 7 3. Classification: Non-metal

Key concepts

Periodic Table Group

The periodic table is organized into 18 groups, or vertical columns, each of which contains elements with similar chemical behaviors. This is because elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell that are involved in chemical reactions.

For instance, if scientists discover an element with 117 protons – hypothetically named as Ununseptium (Uus) before it gets an official name – we know that this element would belong to Group 17. Group 17 elements, also known as halogens, are known for their tendency to gain one electron, thus completing their outer electron shell. This anticipated chemical reactivity suggests why elements in this group are powerful oxidizing agents.

Understanding the properties of groups on the periodic table is crucial in predicting the chemical properties of new or undiscovered elements.

Periodic Table Period

The periodic table is also divided into seven horizontal rows known as periods. The period number an element occupies is determined by the highest energy level of an element's electrons. As the atomic number increases, so does the period level, reflecting that an element has more electron shells.

In the case of an element with 117 protons, it would fall into Period 7 because elements in this period have their outermost electrons in the seventh shell. The period of an element provides important clues about its atomic radius, electronegativity, and ionization energy – all of which are elemental in understanding and predicting an element's chemical behavior and its potential interactions with other substances.

Knowing an element's period helps us comprehend the complexities of electron configuration and how it correlates with the element's overall reactivity and stability.

Element Classification

Elements can be broadly categorized into metals, metalloids, and non-metals. These classifications are based on an element's physical and chemical properties.

• Metals are typically malleable, conductive, and have a shiny appearance.
• Metalloids possess a mixture of metallic and non-metal characteristics.
• Non-metals are diverse, but they generally lack the traits that define metals and are more likely to be insulators.

An element with 117 protons is predicted to be a non-metal. This classification is linked with its position in Group 17 of the periodic table. The non-metal nature of such an element suggests that it would likely be poor at conducting electricity and, instead of losing electrons to form positive ions, it would tend to gain electrons during chemical reactions.

The classification of an element as a metal, metalloid, or non-metal helps tailor our expectations regarding its behavior and the types of chemical compounds it may form. This framework is instrumental in the study of inorganic chemistry and material science.