Question

Select the member of group 4 \(\mathrm{A}\) that best fits each description: (a) forms chains to the greatest extent, (b) forms the most basic oxide, ( \(\mathbf{c} )\) is a metalloid that can form \(2+\) ions.

Short answer

(a) Carbon (C) forms chains to the greatest extent (b) Lead (Pb) forms the most basic oxide (c) Germanium (Ge) is a metalloid that can form \(2+\) ions

Step-by-step solution

Identify the element that forms chains to the greatest extent

Carbon (C) is known to form long chains and rings of various sizes due to its ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms. This is the basis for the large number of organic compounds containing carbon. Therefore, the element in Group 4A that forms chains to the greatest extent is carbon (C).

Identify the element that forms the most basic oxide

Oxides of elements in Group 4A become more basic as you move down the group, as the metal character of the elements increases. Tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) are metals in this group, with lead (Pb) being lower in the group and having a more basic oxide. Therefore, the element in Group 4A that forms the most basic oxide is lead (Pb).

Identify a metalloid that can form 2+ ions

A metalloid has properties of both metals and nonmetals. In Group 4A, germanium (Ge) is a metalloid. Germanium can form 2+ ions (Ge^2+) because it can lose two electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. Therefore, the metalloid in Group 4A that can form 2+ ions is germanium (Ge). So, the answers are: (a) Carbon (C) forms chains to the greatest extent (b) Lead (Pb) forms the most basic oxide (c) Germanium (Ge) is a metalloid that can form 2+ ions

Key concepts

Carbon Chain Formation

Understanding carbon chain formation is essential when studying organic chemistry, which is primarily concerned with carbon and its compounds. Carbon's unique ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms results in the creation of long chains and complex structures such as rings. This versatility is due to carbon's electron configuration, allowing it to achieve a stable octet by sharing electrons with other atoms.

Chains form as carbon atoms link together, sharing pairs of electrons in what are called single bonds. Double and triple bonds can also occur, leading to variations in chain length and strength. The significance of carbon's ability to form different types of chains lies in the diversity of organic compounds that can be created, influencing properties like boiling and melting points, solubility, and reactivity.

For instance, the formation of long carbon chains can result in hydrocarbons like alkanes, which are saturated and exhibit less reactivity than unsaturated hydrocarbons with double bonds (alkenes) or triple bonds (alkynes). This property of carbon to form extensive chains is the foundation of polymers and biochemistry, making it a fundamental concept in material science and biology.

Basicity of Metal Oxides

Metal oxides are compounds that form when an element from the metal category on the periodic table reacts with oxygen. Their basicity refers to how readily these oxides can react with acids to form salts and water. This basic character becomes more pronounced as you move down a group on the periodic table, where elements exhibit more metallic traits.

In the context of Group 4A elements, lead (Pb) oxide demonstrates the highest basicity among its peers, indicative of lead's strongly metallic character. The formation of basic oxides is a classic metal behavior; these compounds have a tendency to donate electrons to form bonds with hydrogen ions present in acids.

Understanding Basicity Through pH

Solutions of basic metal oxides in water tend to have a pH greater than 7, signifying a basic nature. The high pH occurs because these oxides often produce hydroxide ions (OH-) when they dissolve in water, which increases the solution's alkalinity. Basic oxides can neutralize acids, and the resultant reaction underscores the acid-base chemistry that is central to many industrial and biological processes.

Metalloid Properties and Ions

Metalloids are elements that straddle the boundary between metals and nonmetals on the periodic table, exhibiting properties of both categories. In Group 4A, germanium (Ge) is an exemplary metalloid, possessing a mix of metallic and non-metallic characteristics. These elements often display metal-like properties by conducting electricity, although not as efficiently as true metals, and semi-conductor properties which are exploited in the electronics industry.

Metalloids can also form various types of ions by gaining or losing electrons, which is influenced by their ability to exhibit multiple oxidation states. Germanium, for example, can lose two electrons to form Ge^2+ ions, showcasing characteristics akin to metals. This ability to form positive ions is essential for the formation of ionic compounds, where metalloids can create bonds with nonmetal ions.

The significance of metalloid ions ranges from biological systems to technological applications. For instance, the presence of certain metalloid ions is crucial in biological processes, whereas in technology, the controlled use of metalloid properties leads to advancements in semiconductor devices and other electronics, highlighting the importance of understanding both their metallic and nonmetallic behaviors.