Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 41

Chapter 2, Problem 41

For each of the following elements, write its chemical symbol, locate it in the periodic table, give its atomic number, and indicate whether it is a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal: (a) radon (b) tellurium (c) cadmium (d) chromium (e) barium (f) selenium (g) arsenic.

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Identify the chemical symbol for arsenic. The symbol for arsenic is As.

Locate arsenic in the periodic table. Arsenic is found in group 15 and period 4.

Determine the atomic number of arsenic. The atomic number of arsenic, which is the number of protons in its nucleus, is 33.

Classify arsenic as a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal. Arsenic is classified as a metalloid because it has properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.

Summarize the information: Arsenic (As), located in group 15 and period 4 of the periodic table, has an atomic number of 33 and is a metalloid.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of chemical elements, organized by increasing atomic number. Elements are grouped into rows (periods) and columns (groups) based on similar properties. Understanding the layout of the periodic table is essential for identifying elements, their symbols, and their classifications as metals, metalloids, or nonmetals.

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms, which determines the element's identity and its position in the periodic table. It also indicates the number of electrons in a neutral atom, influencing the element's chemical behavior and reactivity. For arsenic, the atomic number is 33.

Classification of Elements

Elements are classified into three main categories: metals, metalloids, and nonmetals, based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable; nonmetals are usually dull, insulative, and brittle; while metalloids exhibit properties of both. Arsenic, for example, is classified as a metalloid, which means it has characteristics of both metals and nonmetals.

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Related Practice

Open Question

Naturally occurring lead has the following isotopic abundances: Isotope Abundance (%) Atomic mass (u) 204Pb 1.4 203.9730, 206Pb 24.1 205.9744, 207Pb 22.1 206.9759, 208Pb 52.4 207.9766. (a) What is the average atomic mass of Pb? (b) Sketch the mass spectrum of Pb.

Textbook Question

Massspectrometry is more often applied to molecules than to atoms. We will see in Chapter 3 that the molecular weight of a molecule is the sum of the atomic weights of the atoms in the molecule. The mass spectrum of H₂ is taken under conditions that prevent decomposition into H atoms. The two naturally occurring isotopes of hydrogen are ¹H (atomic mass = 1.00783 amu; abundance 99.9885%) and ²H (atomic mass = 2.01410; abundance 0.0115%). (a) How many peaks will the mass spectrum have?

Locate each of the following elements in the periodic table; give its name and atomic number, and indicate whether it is a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal: (a) Hg (b) At (c) Mo (d) W (e) Sn (f) V (g) K.

Textbook Question

For each of the following elements, write its chemical symbol, determine the name of the group to which it belongs (Table 2.3), and indicate whether it is a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal: (a) polonium (b) strontium (c) neon (d) rubidium (e) sulfur.

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Open Question

The elements of Group 14 show an interesting change in properties moving down the group. Give the name and chemical symbol of each element in the group and label it as a nonmetal, metalloid, or metal.