Question

Determine whether each element is a main-group element. $$ \begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. tellurium }} & {\text { b. potassium }} \\\ {\text { c. vanadium }} & {\text { d. manganese }}\end{array} $$

Short answer

Tellurium and potassium are main-group elements, while vanadium and manganese are not.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of a Main-Group Element

Main-group elements are found in groups 1, 2, and 13 to 18 of the periodic table. They include the s-block and p-block elements, but exclude the transition metals (d-block) and the inner transition metals (f-block).

Identify the Position of Tellurium

Locate tellurium (Te) on the periodic table. Tellurium is in group 16, which is a part of the p-block. It is therefore considered a main-group element.

Identify the Position of Potassium

Locate potassium (K) on the periodic table. Potassium is in group 1, which is a part of the s-block. It is therefore a main-group element.

Identify the Position of Vanadium

Locate vanadium (V) on the periodic table. Vanadium is in group 5, which is a part of the d-block (transition metals). It is not a main-group element.

Identify the Position of Manganese

Locate manganese (Mn) on the periodic table. Manganese is in group 7, which is also a part of the d-block (transition metals). It is not a main-group element.

Key concepts

The Periodic Table and Main-Group Elements

The periodic table is a vital tool for understanding the properties of elements and their relationships with one another. It is organized into rows called periods and columns known as groups. Main-group elements, which include those in the s-block and p-block, are particularly important because they are very commonly encountered in chemistry.

Main-group elements are found in groups 1, 2, and 13 through 18 of the periodic table. These elements are crucial for forming the variety of compounds that make up the world around us. The periodic table is structured so that elements with similar properties fall into the same group. For example, all elements in group 1, also known as the alkali metals, are highly reactive and have a single electron in their outermost energy level.

Understanding S-Block Elements

S-block elements are located in the first two groups of the periodic table, consisting of hydrogen, helium, the alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals. They are characterized by having their outermost electrons in an s orbital.

For instance, potassium (K) is an alkali metal found in Group 1, which means it has a single valence electron that it readily loses to form positive ions or cations. This single electron is placed in the outermost s orbital, making it reactive. Similarly, the alkaline earth metals in Group 2, such as magnesium and calcium, have two valence electrons.

The reactivity of the s-block elements is generally high due to their willingness to lose electrons and form stable configurations. This plays a pivotal role in forming ionic bonds with nonmetals, including many p-block elements.

Identifying P-Block Elements

P-block elements make up groups 13 to 18 on the right-hand side of the periodic table. These elements have their highest-energy electrons in p orbitals. Members of this block include nonmetals, metalloids, and post-transition metals.

For example, tellurium (Te) is part of the p-block, residing in group 16, often referred to as the chalcogens. Elements in the p-block have diverse properties, but they all share the characteristic of having the highest-energy electrons in p orbitals. They exhibit a wide range of oxidation states and tend to form covalent bonds. The p-block contains essential elements for life, such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, and it also includes the noble gases which are known for their low reactivity.

The behavior and properties of p-block elements are crucial for understanding organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as key concepts in environmental and biological sciences.