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Chapter 8: Problem 95

A student is given samples of three elements, \(X, Y\) and \(Z\), which could be an alkali metal, a member of Group \(4 \mathrm{~A},\) and a member of Group \(5 \mathrm{~A}\). She makes the following observations: Element X has a metallic luster and conducts electricity. It reacts slowly with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas. Element \(Y\) is a light-yellow solid that does not conduct electricity. Element \(Z\) has a metallic luster and conducts electricity. When exposed to air, it slowly forms a white powder. A solution of the white powder in water is basic. What can you conclude about the elements from these observations?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Based on their properties, we can make the following conclusions: Element X is the alkali metal, Element Y is Sulfur (a member of Group 4A), and Element Z is a member of Group 5A, possibly Phosphorus.

Step by step solution

01

Identification of Element X

Element X conducts electricity, which means it's likely a metal. It also reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce hydrogen gas (H2). This indicates that it's probably an Alkali metal because Alkali metals displaces hydrogen from dilute acids to produce hydrogen gas, identifying X as an alkali metal.
02

Identification of Element Y

Given that it's light yellow, solid and does not conduct electricity, these traits are characteristic of many non-metals. In the periodic table, Sulfur (S) is a non-metallic element in Group 4A that's often described as light yellow. Therefore, Y is likely to be Sulfur (a member of Group 4A).
03

Identification of Element Z

Element Z is metallic, conducts electricity, and reacts with air to form a white powder. When dissolved in water, it forms a basic solution. This is characteristic of Group 5A elements, particularly Phosphorus. When phosphorus is exposed to air, it forms Phosphorus Pentoxide (a white powder) which when dissolved in water forms Phosphoric acid. But due to hydrolysis that acid can give basic solution. So, Z is likely a member of the Group 5A metals.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

An ion \(\mathrm{M}^{2+}\) derived from a metal in the first transition metal series has four and only four electrons in the \(3 d\) subshell. What element might \(\mathrm{M}\) be?

What is Moseley's contribution to the modern periodic table?

Use the first-row transition metals (Sc to \(\mathrm{Cu}\) ) as an example to illustrate the characteristics of the electron configurations of transition metals.

Acidic oxides are those that react with water to produce acid solutions, whereas the reactions of basic oxides with water produce basic solutions. Nonmetallic oxides are usually acidic, whereas those of metals are basic. Predict the products of the reactions of these oxides with water: \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{BaO}, \mathrm{CO}_{2}\), \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}, \mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}, \mathrm{SO}_{3} .\) Write an equation for each of the reactions.

Give three examples of first-row transition metal (Sc to \(\mathrm{Cu}\) ) ions whose electron configurations are represented by the argon core.
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