Question

For each of the following elements, use the periodic table on the inside cover of this book to write the element's atomic number. a. $\mathrm{Ni}$ b. copper c. Se d. cadmium e. $S$ f. silicon g. $\mathrm{V}$ h. xenon

Short answer

The atomic numbers of the given elements are: a. $\mathrm{Ni}$ - 28 b. Copper - 29 c. $\mathrm{Se}$ - 34 d. Cadmium - 48 e. $S$ - 16 f. Silicon - 14 g. $\mathrm{V}$ - 23 h. Xenon - 54

Step-by-step solution

Find the atomic number of $\mathrm{Ni}$

Locate $\mathrm{Ni}$ (Nickel) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Nickel's atomic number is 28.

Find the atomic number of copper

Locate Copper (Cu) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Copper's atomic number is 29.

Find the atomic number of Se

Locate $\mathrm{Se}$ (Selenium) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Selenium's atomic number is 34.

Find the atomic number of cadmium

Locate Cadmium (Cd) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Cadmium's atomic number is 48.

Find the atomic number of $S$

Locate S (Sulfur) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Sulfur's atomic number is 16.

Find the atomic number of silicon

Locate Silicon (Si) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Silicon's atomic number is 14.

Find the atomic number of $\mathrm{V}$

Locate $\mathrm{V}$ (Vanadium) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Vanadium's atomic number is 23.

Find the atomic number of xenon

Locate Xenon (Xe) in the periodic table and find its atomic number. Xenon's atomic number is 54. In summary, here are the atomic numbers of the given elements: a. $\mathrm{Ni}$ - 28 b. Copper - 29 c. $\mathrm{Se}$ - 34 d. Cadmium - 48 e. $S$ - 16 f. Silicon - 14 g. $\mathrm{V}$ - 23 h. Xenon - 54

Key concepts

periodic table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of chemical elements. Each element is listed by increasing atomic number, which tells us the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom of that element.

The table organizes the elements in rows, called periods, and columns, known as groups, based on similar properties.

• Rows (Periods): Rows are arranged by increasing atomic number.
• Columns (Groups): Columns group elements with similar chemical behaviors.

This layout helps chemists predict the properties and reactions of elements. Understanding how to navigate the periodic table is fundamental in chemistry and simplifies finding information about various elements.

chemical elements

Chemical elements are the simplest form of matter that cannot be broken down using chemical reactions. Each element consists of only one kind of atom, distinguished by its atomic number. There are 118 known elements, each named and symbolized uniquely.

Examples include:

• Nickel (Ni)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Xenon (Xe)

Understanding these basic building blocks allows scientists to manipulate and create various substances and materials essential for a wide array of applications, from industrial manufacturing to medicine.

Nickel

Nickel, symbolized as Ni, is element number 28 in the periodic table. It is a silver-white metal known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.

Nickel is widely used in:

• Batteries
• Stainless steel production
• Alloys, which are mixtures of metals

Due to its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures, Nickel finds extensive applications in various industries, including aerospace and electronics.

Cadmium

Cadmium, with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48, is a soft, bluish-white metal. It is recognized for its toxicity but also for its use in various technological applications.

Applications of Cadmium include:

• Rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries
• Coatings and pigments
• Electroplating

While Cadmium is useful, its toxic properties demand careful handling and disposal to prevent environmental contamination.

Xenon

Xenon, symbolized as Xe, holds the atomic number 54 in the periodic table. It is a noble gas, colorless and odorless, and known for its low reactivity.

Xenon is used in:

• High-intensity lamps
• Flashbulbs in photography
• Medical imaging, like X-ray technology

Despite being a noble gas, which typically means it is inert, Xenon can form a few chemical compounds under specific conditions, showcasing its unique role among noble gases.