Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 10: Problem 31

Radioactive strontium (Sr) tends to concentrate in the bones of people who ingest it. Why might one expect that strontium would behave like calcium (Ca) chemically and thus be preferentially bound in bone material, which is predominantly calcium in composition?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Radioactive strontium behaves chemically like calcium when ingested by a person because both elements share similar chemical properties, such as the same group in the Periodic Table (alkaline earth metals), similar outer-electron configurations, and similar ionic properties. Due to these similarities, strontium can substitute for calcium in the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice that forms bone material, leading to the concentration of strontium in bones when ingested.

Step by step solution

01

Locate strontium and calcium on the Periodic Table

To explain the chemical similarity between strontium and calcium and their preference to bind in bone material, we must first find them in the Periodic Table. Both elements are in Group 2, which is called the alkaline earth metals group.
02

Compare atomic structures of strontium and calcium

Elements in the same group of the Periodic Table have similar outer-electron configurations, which strongly influence their chemical properties. Strontium has the electron configuration [Kr]5s^2, while calcium has the electron configuration [Ar]4s^2. Both elements have two electrons in their outermost (valence) shell. This similarity in electron configuration leads to similar chemical properties.
03

Compare ionic properties of strontium and calcium

Both strontium and calcium tend to form ions with a +2 charge, as they tend to lose their two valence electrons. The positive charges of their ions are similar to one another. Strontium ions (Sr^2+) and calcium ions (Ca^2+) are similar in size, and thus they can readily substitute for each other in ionic compounds.
04

Examine the composition of bone material

Calcium is a major component of bone material, in the form of hydroxyapatite (Ca_5(PO_4)_3OH). This compound forms a crystal lattice that gives structural strength to bones. Due to the similarities in size and charge between strontium and calcium ions, strontium can substitute for calcium in the lattice structure of hydroxyapatite.
05

Explain why strontium is preferentially bound in bone material

Because of the chemical similarities between strontium and calcium - their electron configurations, ionic properties, and ability to interchange within the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice - it is expected that strontium would behave like calcium chemically. When a person ingests strontium, it tends to concentrate in the bones due to its ability to replace calcium in the hydroxyapatite structure. This ability to replace calcium in bone material is the reason why strontium is preferentially bound in bones when ingested.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In what part of the EM spectrum does the Lyman series of emission lines from hydrogen lie? The Balmer series? The Paschen series? Describe how each of these series is produced. In what final state do the electron transitions end in each case?

Will the energy of a photon that ionizes a hydrogen atom from the ground state be larger than, smaller than, or equal to, the energy of a photon that ionizes another hydrogen atom from the first excited state \((n=2) ?\) Explain.

Distinguish laser light from the light emitted by an ordinary light bulb in as many ways as you can.

What assumption allowed Planck to account for the observed features of blackbody radiation?

Two common controls in a car are the steering wheel and the station selector on the radio. Indicate whether each is controlling something in a quantized or a continuous fashion.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Mechanics and Materials

Read Explanation

Electric Charge Field and Potential

Read Explanation

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Scientific Method Physics

Read Explanation

Solid State Physics

Read Explanation

Electromagnetism

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free