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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and IonsProblem 102
Chapter 2, Problem 102

The explosion of an atomic bomb releases many radioactive isotopes, including strontium-90. Considering the location of strontium in the periodic table, suggest a reason why this isotope is particularly dangerous for human health.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the position of strontium in the periodic table. Strontium (Sr) is located in Group 2, which is the alkaline earth metals group.
Step 2: Understand the chemical properties of strontium. As an alkaline earth metal, strontium behaves similarly to calcium, which is also in Group 2.
Step 3: Consider the biological role of calcium. Calcium is essential for human health, particularly in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth.
Step 4: Analyze the potential for strontium to mimic calcium. Due to its chemical similarity, strontium can replace calcium in biological systems, particularly in bones.
Step 5: Discuss the implications of radioactive strontium-90. When strontium-90 replaces calcium in bones, its radioactivity can cause damage to bone marrow and increase the risk of cancer, making it particularly dangerous for human health.
Related Practice
Textbook Question

From the following list of elements—Mg, Li, Tl, Pb, Se, Cl, Xe, Si, C—pick the one that best fits each description. Use each element only once: (a) an alkali metal, (b) an alkaline earth metal, (c) a noble gas, (d) a halogen, (e) a metalloidin group 14, (f) a nonmetal listed in group 14, (g) a metal that forms a 3+ ion, (h) a nonmetal that forms a 2- ion, (i) an element that is used as radiation shielding.

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Textbook Question

The first atoms of seaborgium (Sg) were identified in 1974. The longest-lived isotope of Sg has a mass number of 266. (a) How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are in an 266Sg atom?

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Textbook Question

The first atoms of seaborgium (Sg) were identified in 1974. The longest-lived isotope of Sg has a mass number of 266. (b) Atoms of Sg are very unstable, and it is therefore difficult to study this element's properties. Based on the position of Sg in the periodic table, what element should it most closely resemble in its chemical properties?

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Open Question
Calculate the value of the silver in the American Silver Eagle coin, assuming its thickness is uniform, given that it has a diameter of 41 mm, a thickness of 2.5 mm, a silver density of 10.5 g/cm3, and the approximate market price of silver is $0.51 per gram.
Textbook Question

From the molecular structures shown here, identify the one that corresponds to each of the following species: (a) chlorine gas; (b) propane; (c) nitrate ion; (d) sulfur trioxide; (e) methyl chloride, CH3Cl.

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Open Question
Name each of the following chlorides. Assuming that the compounds are ionic, what charge is associated with the metallic element in each case? (a) AgCl (b) TiCl₄ (c) IrCl₃ (d) LiCl.