Question

List the name and the atomic number of each element. (a) \(\mathrm{Mn}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Ag}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Au}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Pb}\) (e) \(S\)

Short answer

(a) Manganese, 25; (b) Silver, 47; (c) Gold, 79; (d) Lead, 82; (e) Sulfur, 16.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Element (a)

Determine the name and the atomic number of element symbol Mn. Manganese (Mn) is the element represented by this symbol. The atomic number of Manganese (Mn) is 25.

Identifying Element (b)

Determine the name and the atomic number of element symbol Ag. Silver (Ag) is the element represented by this symbol. The atomic number of Silver (Ag) is 47.

Identifying Element (c)

Determine the name and the atomic number of element symbol Au. Gold (Au) is the element represented by this symbol. The atomic number of Gold (Au) is 79.

Identifying Element (d)

Determine the name and the atomic number of element symbol Pb. Lead (Pb) is the element represented by this symbol. The atomic number of Lead (Pb) is 82.

Identifying Element (e)

Determine the name and the atomic number of element symbol S. Sulfur (S) is the element represented by this symbol. The atomic number of Sulfur (S) is 16.

Key concepts

Understanding the Periodic Table Elements

The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that organizes all known elements according to their atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique position on the periodic table, with rows called periods and columns called groups.

Elements in the same group often have similar properties, and the table layout helps predict these properties in new or lesser-known elements. For example, all elements in group 18 are noble gases, known for their lack of reactivity. As students progress in chemistry, the periodic table becomes an essential tool for quickly accessing information about the elements.

Decoding Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are abbreviations used to represent elements. Each symbol consists of one or two letters, where the first letter is always capitalized and, if present, the second letter is lowercase. These symbols originate from either the element's modern or Latin name.

Understanding chemical symbols is fundamental as they are universally accepted shorthand in chemical equations, lab reports, and other scientific literature. Take the symbol 'Au' for Gold; 'A' stands for 'aurum,' its Latin name, whereas 'u' is the next letter upholding the unique two-letter symbol criterion.

Element Names Unveiled

The names of the elements may come from various sources, including mythology, the place of discovery, a notable scientist, or a characteristic of the element. For instance, the element name 'Manganese' (Mn) derives from the Latin word 'magnes,' meaning magnet, reflecting its magnetic properties, while 'Lead' (Pb) stems from 'plumbum,' indicating its heavy nature and former use in plumbing.

Associating the name of an element with its properties or history can aid in remembering and understanding the element's applications and characteristics, making learning more intuitive for students.