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Chapter 2: Problem 70

A common mineral of barium is barytes, or barium sulfate \(\left(\mathrm{BaSO}_{4}\right)\). Because elements in the same periodic group have similar chemical properties, we might expect to find some radium sulfate \(\left(\mathrm{RaSO}_{4}\right)\) mixed with barytes because radium is the last member of Group 2A. However, the only source of radium compounds in nature is in uranium minerals. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
While radium (\(Ra\)) and barium (\(Ba\)) are both Group 2A elements and can form similar compounds such as sulphates, the occurrence of these elements in nature is also influenced by their nuclear stability and radioactivity. Radium is a radioactive element derived from uranium decay, so it is found naturally in uranium minerals, not in the same kind of minerals as barium. The chemistry of radium is dominated by its radioactivity, which overpowers any similarities it might have with barium based purely on their shared Group 2A status.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Radium's Occurrence

Radium (\(Ra\)) is a radioactive element; it does not exist as a free element in nature due to its instability and high reactivity. Instead, it is found in trace amounts in uranium ores such as pitchblende. Radium is additionally the product of the radioactive decay of uranium (\(U\)). That is to say, it is not directly created during stellar nucleosynthesis, like the lighter elements in the periodic table, but is generated during the decay of uranium.
02

Understanding Radium and Barium's Group

Radium and Barium both belong to Group 2A of the periodic table. Elements in the same group often share similar chemical properties. For instance, both radium and barium form sulphates. However, the occurrence of these elements in nature is not determined merely by their chemical properties, but by their nuclear stability and reactivity also. In this respect, radium and barium differ importantly. Barium doesn't have a radioactive nature and thus is found in various minerals, one of which is barytes (barium sulphate, \(BaSO4\)).
03

Resolving The Contrast

The mention of both radium and barium being Group 2A elements and forming similar sulphates could lead one to assume that radium sulphate might be found in nature, just as barium sulphate is. However, this is not observed due to radium's radioactive nature. It exists as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium, with which it is naturally associated in uranium minerals. So, despite its chemical similarity to barium, its radioactivity dictates its behaviour and occurrence in nature.

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