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Chapter 4: Problem 26

Explain why the main-group elements are also known as representative elements.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The main-group elements are known as representative elements because they include a wide range of properties and types of elements (metals, nonmetals and metalloids) found in the periodic table. This variety makes them representative, as they cover the breadth of chemical and physical properties found within all elements.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Elements in the Periodic Table

In the periodic table, the elements are categorized into groups or families, periods, blocks and series based on their atomic and electronic structures. The main focus here is on the group classification.
02

Identifying the Main-Group Elements

Main-group elements are found in the s-block and p-block of the periodic table. They include groups 1 and 2 (the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals) on the left of the table, and groups 13 to 18 on the right of the table. These groups contain the most common elements including Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Iron (Fe), Nitrogen (N), etc.
03

Understanding why they are called Representative Elements

The main-group elements are often called representative elements because they illustrate the entire range of chemical properties. They include metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, and showcase diverse chemical and physical properties, representing the breadth of such properties across all elements in the periodic table.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which group of elements has very high ionization energies and very low electron affinities?

Without looking at the periodic table, identify the period and group in which each of the following elements is located. $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. }[\mathrm{Rn}] 7 s^{1}} \\ {\text { b. }[\mathrm{Ar}] 4 s^{2}} \\ {\text { c. }[\mathrm{Ne}] 3 s^{2} 3 p^{6}}\end{array}$$

If an element breaks when it is struck with a hammer, could it be a metal? Explain.

In many labeled foods, the mineral content is stated in terms of the mass of the element, in a stated quantity of food. Examine the product labels of the foods you eat. Determine which elements are represented in your food and what function each element serves in the body. Make a poster of foods that are good sources of minerals that you need.

Among the main-group elements, what is the relationship between group number and the number of valence electrons among group members?
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