Question

To what group number does each element belong? (a) germanium (b) nitrogen (c) sulfur (d) carbon (e) boron

Short answer

Germanium belongs to group 14, Nitrogen to group 15, Sulfur to group 16, Carbon to group 14, and Boron to group 13.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Germanium's Group

Find Germanium on the periodic table. Germanium is element with atomic number 32. It is located in group 14.

Identifying Nitrogen's Group

Look for Nitrogen on the periodic table. Nitrogen is the element with atomic number 7. It is in group 15.

Identifying Sulfur's Group

Locate Sulfur in the periodic table. Sulfur, with atomic number 16, belongs to group 16.

Identifying Carbon's Group

Find Carbon on the periodic table. Carbon has the atomic number 6 and is in group 14.

Identifying Boron's Group

Look for Boron on the periodic table. Boron's atomic number is 5 and it is placed in group 13.

Key concepts

Group Number Identification

Understanding how to identify the group number of elements in the periodic table is crucial for grasping the properties and behavior of various elements. A group in the periodic table is a vertical column, numbered from 1 to 18 under the current IUPAC system. Elements within the same group share similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons, which determine how they bond with other elements.

When looking at the group numbers, such as in the textbook exercise examples, germanium (Ge), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), carbon (C), and boron (B), knowing the group number can give you an immediate insight into the element's reactivity and the types of compounds it can form. For instance, all elements in group 14, including germanium and carbon, have four valence electrons and exhibit a tendency to form covalent bonds.

Periodic Table Elements

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements, ordered by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are presented in rows, known as periods, and columns, named groups or families. As mentioned in the exercise solution, elements such as germanium and nitrogen can be found and identified within this table.

To provide a deeper understanding, let's consider the physical and electronic structure of these elements. Germanium, for example, is a metalloid with unique properties between that of metals and nonmetals, making it essential in electronics. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is a nonmetal and makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. By knowing its location on the periodic table, we can deduce its common electron configuration and its fundamental role in the biological compounds.

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is a fundamental concept that defines the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. This number, found above the elemental symbol on the periodic table, is unique to each element and determines the element's identity. For instance, as solved in the textbook exercise, boron has an atomic number of 5, indicating it has five protons in its nucleus.

The significance of the atomic number goes beyond mere identification. It also indicates the number of electrons in a neutral atom, which connects directly to the element's chemical behavior. The atomic number aids us in comprehensively understanding the reactivity, bonding, and placement within the periodic table of an element, as seen in the atomic numbers for sulfur (16) and carbon (6), corresponding to their placement in groups 16 and 14, respectively.