Skip to main content
Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 7, Problem 20b

With the exception of helium, the noble gases condense to form solids when they are cooled sufficiently. At temperatures below 83 K, argon forms a close-packed solid whose structure is shown below. (b) Is this value larger or smaller than the bonding atomic radius estimated for argon in Figure 7.7?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Noble Gases

Noble gases are a group of elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, known for their lack of reactivity due to having a full valence shell of electrons. They include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Understanding their unique properties, such as low boiling points and the ability to form solids at low temperatures, is essential for analyzing their behavior in different states of matter.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:44
Noble Gas Compounds Example

Bonding Atomic Radius

The bonding atomic radius is a measure of the size of an atom that is bonded to another atom, typically defined as half the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms. This concept is crucial for understanding how atoms interact and bond with each other, influencing the physical properties of substances, including their state at various temperatures.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:02
Atomic Radius

Phase Changes and Solid Structure

Phase changes refer to the transitions between solid, liquid, and gas states of matter, which occur due to changes in temperature and pressure. The solid structure of argon at low temperatures, such as below 83 K, involves close-packed arrangements of atoms, which affects its physical properties. Understanding these concepts helps in comparing the solid state of argon with its atomic radius and other characteristics.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:46
Entropy in Phase Changes
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Which will experience the greater effect nuclear charge, the electrons in the n = 2 shell in F or the n = 2 shell in B? Which will be closer to the nucleus?
1454
views
Textbook Question
Arrange the following atoms in order of increasing effective nuclear charge experienced by the electrons in the n = 2 shell: Be, Br, Na, P, Se.
1234
views
Textbook Question
Which quantity must be determined experimentally in order to determine the bonding atomic radius of an atom? (a) The distance from the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron goes to zero. (b) The distance between the nuclei of two atoms that are bonded together. (c) The effective nuclear charge of an atom.
478
views
Textbook Question

With the exception of helium, the noble gases condense to form solids when they are cooled sufficiently. At temperatures below 83 K, argon forms a close-packed solid whose structure is shown below. (c) Based on this comparison would you say that the atoms are held together by chemical bonds in solid argon?

600
views
Textbook Question

Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal in the periodic table: 3422 °C. The distance between W atoms in tungsten metal is 274 pm. (a) What is the atomic radius of a tungsten atom in this environment? (This radius is called the metallic radius.)

1063
views
1
rank
Textbook Question

Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal in the periodic table: 3422 °C. The distance between W atoms in tungsten metal is 274 pm. (b) If you put tungsten metal under high pressure, predict what would happen to the distance between W atoms.

9137
views