Chapter 2.4

Question 1

Describe the characteristics of the alkali metals

Answer 1

• densities are lower than other metals
• Zeff are very low
• > therefore, they have the largest atomic radii
• note also
• > low ionization energies, low electron affinities and low electronegativities

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of chalcogens

Answer 2

• group(16) of nonmetals/metals

- not as reactive as halogens

Question 3

Describe the characteristics of halogens

Answer 3

• they are highly reactive non-metals
• high electronegativity and high electron affinities
• they are found as halides or diatomic molecules

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of noble gases

Answer 4

• high ionization energies
• little or no tendencies to lose or gain electrons
• no measurable electronegativities
• low boiling points and exist as gases at room temperature

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of transition metals

Answer 5

• low electron affinities
• low ionization energies
• low electronegativities
• very high boiling points/ melting points
• different oxidation states
• > capable of losing different number of electrons from the s/d orbitals

Question 6

What are hydration complexes? How does it result in different solubility levels of transition metals

Answer 6

• complex ions
• > tend to association in solution either with molecules of water or with nonmetals
• the ability to form complexes contributes to the variability in solubility of certain transition metal-containing compounds
• > different complexes forming due to to transition metals having different oxidation states
• note that different complexes absorb certain frequencies of light
• > so they reflect a specific color as well