Question

Regarding the elements of Group IVA, which of the following statement is false? (1) Lead do not cxhibit allotropy. (2) Element with lowest melting point is tin. (3) Carbon in the form of diamond has maximum density. (4) Catenation power of lcad is zero.

Short answer

Statement 4 is false.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Characteristics of Group IVA Elements

Group IVA elements include Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb). Consider their properties and characteristics to find the false statement.

Evaluate Statement 1

Lead does not exhibit allotropy. Allotropy refers to the existence of two or more different forms of the same element in the same physical state. Since lead only exists in one form, this statement is true.

Evaluate Statement 2

Consider the melting points of the Group IVA elements. Tin has a lower melting point compared to carbon (diamond), silicon, and germanium. This makes the statement true.

Evaluate Statement 3

Review the form of carbon known as diamond. Diamond is the densest known form of carbon with a density of about 3.51 g/cm³. Thus, this statement is true.

Evaluate Statement 4

Catenation is the ability of an element to form bonds with itself. While lead shows very low catenation properties, it is not entirely zero. Therefore, this statement is false.

Key concepts

allotropy

Allotropy is a fascinating concept. It refers to an element's ability to exist in different forms within the same physical state. These forms can have very distinct structures and properties.
For example, carbon exhibits allotropy with its most well-known forms being diamond, graphite, and graphene. Each of these forms of carbon has unique properties due to differences in atomic arrangement.
Lead, however, does not exhibit allotropy. It only exists in one form, leading to a stable metallic structure.
This characteristic can affect various applications and properties of materials, making it an important consideration in materials science.

melting point

The melting point of an element is the temperature at which it changes from solid to liquid. This property is critical in understanding an element's ability to withstand heat.
In Group IVA elements, the melting points vary significantly.

• Carbon (in the form of a diamond) has a very high melting point.
• Silicon and germanium also have high melting points, although lower than carbon.
• Tin has a notably lower melting point, making it useful in solder and coating metals.
• Lead has a relatively low melting point but still higher than tin.

Understanding these differences helps in choosing suitable materials for various industrial applications.

density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume, and it is a crucial property that affects material selection in construction, manufacturing, and other fields.
In Group IVA elements, carbon in the form of diamond has the highest density at about 3.51 g/cm³. This high density, along with its hardness, makes diamond very valuable for cutting tools and jewelry.
Other forms of carbon, such as graphite, have lower densities due to different atomic arrangements. Silicon and germanium also have moderate densities.

• Tin and lead, being heavier elements, have densities greater than carbon in some forms but still lower than diamond.
• Lead's density, for example, is about 11.34 g/cm³, making it useful for radiation shielding and weights.

Recognizing the density of an element is essential when designing objects that require specific weight and structural properties.

catenation

Catenation is the ability of an element to form chains or networks with itself through covalent bonds. This ability is most prominent in carbon, which forms the basis of organic chemistry.
Carbon's ability to form long chains and rings of atoms is foundational for the vast array of organic molecules.

• Silicon also shows some catenation, allowing the formation of silicones used in various products.
• Germanium and tin exhibit catenation to a lesser extent.
• Lead has very low catenation ability, almost negligible, limiting its use in applications relying on extensive bonding with itself.

Understanding catenation helps in comprehending why certain elements are prevalent in organic compounds and others are not, influencing fields like material science and molecular chemistry.