Question

List the names, symbols, and atomic numbers of the top four elements in Groups \(1,2,6,\) and 7 .

Short answer

The top four elements in Groups 1, 2, 6, and 7 are as follows: Group 1: Hydrogen (H) - Atomic Number: 1, Lithium (Li) - Atomic Number: 3, Sodium (Na) - Atomic Number: 11, Potassium (K) - Atomic Number: 19. Group 2: Beryllium (Be) - Atomic Number: 4, Magnesium (Mg) - Atomic Number: 12, Calcium (Ca) - Atomic Number: 20, Strontium (Sr) - Atomic Number: 38. Group 6: Oxygen (O) - Atomic Number: 8, Sulfur (S) - Atomic Number: 16, Selenium (Se) - Atomic Number: 34, Tellurium (Te) - Atomic Number: 52. Group 7: Fluorine (F) - Atomic Number: 9, Chlorine (Cl) - Atomic Number: 17, Bromine (Br) - Atomic Number: 35, Iodine (I) - Atomic Number: 53.

Step-by-step solution

Group 1 Elements

In Group 1, also known as the alkali metals, we have the following top four elements: 1. Hydrogen (H) - Atomic Number: 1 2. Lithium (Li) - Atomic Number: 3 3. Sodium (Na) - Atomic Number: 11 4. Potassium (K) - Atomic Number: 19

Group 2 Elements

In Group 2, also known as the alkaline earth metals, we have the following top four elements: 1. Beryllium (Be) - Atomic Number: 4 2. Magnesium (Mg) - Atomic Number: 12 3. Calcium (Ca) - Atomic Number: 20 4. Strontium (Sr) - Atomic Number: 38

Group 6 Elements

In Group 6, also known as the chalcogens, we have the following top four elements: 1. Oxygen (O) - Atomic Number: 8 2. Sulfur (S) - Atomic Number: 16 3. Selenium (Se) - Atomic Number: 34 4. Tellurium (Te) - Atomic Number: 52

Group 7 Elements

In Group 7, also known as the halogens, we have the following top four elements: 1. Fluorine (F) - Atomic Number: 9 2. Chlorine (Cl) - Atomic Number: 17 3. Bromine (Br) - Atomic Number: 35 4. Iodine (I) - Atomic Number: 53

Key concepts

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are fundamental substances that consist of one type of atom and cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element represents the building blocks of matter, forming the basis of all the materials in the universe. Elements are represented on the Periodic Table, where you can find detailed information about each of these elements.

Each chemical element is unique and defined by the number of protons in its atomic nucleus. There are currently 118 known elements, ranging from Hydrogen, the lightest element, to Oganesson, a synthetic element. The elements are organized on the Periodic Table by their atomic number, symbol, and properties.

• Symbol: A one- or two-letter designation based on the element's Latin name.
• Atomic Number: Represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and uniquely identifies each element.
• Atomic Mass: The average mass of atoms of an element, usually expressed in atomic mass units (amu).

Understanding chemical elements is essential as they form the basis for studying chemistry, physics, biology, and other sciences.

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is a crucial concept in chemistry. It represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom of that element. This number is key because it defines the identity of the element and its position on the Periodic Table.

The atomic number determines an atom's identity while influencing its chemical properties:

• Elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number on the Periodic Table.
• It dictates the element's placement within a particular group or period.
• It impacts the electron configuration and, by extension, the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior.

This fundamental property allows scientists to categorize elements systematically, predict chemical reactions, and better understand the behavior of different materials.

Alkali Metals

Alkali metals, found in Group 1 of the Periodic Table, are known for being highly reactive metals. This group includes elements such as Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), and Potassium (K). These metals are characterized by having one electron in their outermost shell, which they readily lose to form positive ions with a +1 charge.

The primary characteristics of alkali metals are:

• They are soft and have low melting points compared to other metals.
• They react vigorously with water to produce hydrogen gas and a metal hydroxide.
• Their reactivity increases as you move down the group – for example, Potassium is more reactive than Sodium and Lithium.

Their applications range from being used in batteries (e.g., Lithium) to serving as important participants in various synthesis reactions in the chemical industry.

Alkaline Earth Metals

Alkaline earth metals are located in Group 2 of the Periodic Table, and they include elements like Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), and Calcium (Ca). These elements have two electrons in their outer shell, which they often lose to form ions with a +2 charge.

Key characteristics of alkaline earth metals include:

• They are all shiny, silvery-white metals.
• They have higher melting points than alkali metals.
• They are less reactive than alkali metals but will still react, especially with halogens and water.

Alkaline earth metals play important roles in various applications, such as Magnesium in construction and mobile devices, and Calcium in biological systems, forming hard structures like bones and teeth.

Chalcogens

Chalcogens belong to Group 16 of the Periodic Table and include elements such as Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), and Selenium (Se). The name 'chalcogen' comes from the Greek word 'chalcos,' meaning ore-former, as many ores contain oxygen or sulfur.

Common properties of chalcogens are:

• They have six electrons in their outer shell, which allows them to form compounds by gaining or sharing electrons.
• Oxygen, the most abundant chalcogen, is essential for respiration in most living organisms.
• Sulfur is well known for its use in fertilizers, gunpowder, and insecticides.

Chalcogens are vital for life and industrial purposes, underscoring their significance in both natural and synthetic processes.

Halogens

The halogens make up Group 17 of the Periodic Table and consist of Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I). These nonmetals are highly reactive, especially with alkali and alkaline earth metals, forming halide salts.

Some distinctive features of halogens include:

• They have seven electrons in their outer shell, and they tend to gain an electron to form negatively charged ions ( -1).
• They are colorful and vary in physical states from gases (e.g., Fluorine, Chlorine) to liquid (Bromine) and solid (Iodine).
• Halogens are used in disinfectants (e.g., Chlorine in water treatment) and in household products like fluoridated toothpaste.

Their reactivity and ability to form salts make halogens indispensable in both biological and industrial contexts.