Question

Locate each of the following elements in the periodic table; give its name and atomic number, and indicate whether it is a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal: (a) \(\mathrm{Li},(\mathbf{b}) \mathrm{Sc},(\mathrm{c}) \mathrm{Ge},(\mathbf{d}) \mathrm{Yb},\) (e) \(\mathrm{Mn},\) (f) \(\mathrm{Sb},(\mathrm{g})\) Xe.

Short answer

The elements, their atomic numbers, and their classification are as follows: (a) Lithium (Li) - Atomic number 3 - Metal (b) Scandium (Sc) - Atomic number 21 - Metal (c) Germanium (Ge) - Atomic number 32 - Metalloid (d) Ytterbium (Yb) - Atomic number 70 - Metal (e) Manganese (Mn) - Atomic number 25 - Metal (f) Antimony (Sb) - Atomic number 51 - Metalloid (g) Xenon (Xe) - Atomic number 54 - Nonmetal

Step-by-step solution

(Find Element Names)

Refer to the periodic table and find the full names of each given element: (a) Li - Lithium (b) Sc - Scandium (c) Ge - Germanium (d) Yb - Ytterbium (e) Mn - Manganese (f) Sb - Antimony (g) Xe - Xenon

(Find Atomic Numbers)

Now, find the atomic numbers of each element: (a) Lithium - 3 (b) Scandium - 21 (c) Germanium - 32 (d) Ytterbium - 70 (e) Manganese - 25 (f) Antimony - 51 (g) Xenon - 54

(Classify Elements)

Determine whether each element is a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal based on their position in the periodic table: (a) Lithium - Metal (b) Scandium - Metal (c) Germanium - Metalloid (d) Ytterbium - Metal (e) Manganese - Metal (f) Antimony - Metalloid (g) Xenon - Nonmetal The elements, their atomic numbers, and their classification are as follows: (a) Lithium (Li) - Atomic number 3 - Metal (b) Scandium (Sc) - Atomic number 21 - Metal (c) Germanium (Ge) - Atomic number 32 - Metalloid (d) Ytterbium (Yb) - Atomic number 70 - Metal (e) Manganese (Mn) - Atomic number 25 - Metal (f) Antimony (Sb) - Atomic number 51 - Metalloid (g) Xenon (Xe) - Atomic number 54 - Nonmetal

Key concepts

Element Classification

Understanding how elements in the periodic table are classified is crucial for the study of chemistry. The periodic table is organized based on the properties of elements, mainly their chemical behavior and electron arrangements. Each element can be classified into three main categories: metals, metalloids, and nonmetals. This classification is primarily based on their physical and chemical properties.

• Metals: These elements are typically shiny, good conductors of electricity, and malleable. Examples include lithium (Li) and scandium (Sc).
• Metalloids: These have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They can conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals. Germanium (Ge) and antimony (Sb) fall under this category.
• Nonmetals: Typically, nonmetals are poor conductors of electricity, not ductile, and have no luster. Gases like xenon (Xe) are examples of nonmetals.

This classification helps scientists predict the types of chemical reactions elements can participate in and the kinds of bonds they are likely to form.

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental characteristic of an element and helps to define its identity. Located at the top of an element's symbol on the periodic table, the atomic number represents the number of protons in an element's nucleus. It is this number that distinguishes one element from another.

For example:

• Lithium (Li): Has an atomic number of 3, meaning it contains 3 protons.
• Xenon (Xe): Carries an atomic number of 54, indicating 54 protons.

The importance of the atomic number lies in its role in determining the placement of an element on the periodic table. It dictates the element's chemical properties and its behavior during reactions, as each element's unique number of protons influences its atomic structure.

Metals and Nonmetals

Metals and nonmetals form the largest groups in the periodic table, and they have distinct physical and chemical properties.

**Characteristics of Metals**

• Metals are generally solid at room temperature (except mercury).
• They tend to have high melting and boiling points.
• Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
• Examples include lithium (Li) and manganese (Mn).

**Characteristics of Nonmetals**

• Most nonmetals are gases at room temperature, like xenon (Xe).
• They usually have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals.
• Nonmetals are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity.

Understanding these differences allows scientists and engineers to choose the right materials for different applications, whether for structural uses in buildings or conducting purposes in electrical circuits.