Chemistry of Groups

Question 1

Alkali Metals

Answer 1

• Group IA or Group 1
• posess most of the classical physical properties of metals
  
  • except densities are lower than those of other metals
• Typically take on an oxidation state of +1 and prefer to lose an electron to achieve a noble gas like config.
• Alkali Metals and Alkaline Earth metals are the most reactive of all metals
• React readily with nonmetals (especially Halogens) ie: NaCl

Question 2

Alkaline Earth metals

Answer 2

• Group IIA or Group 2
• take an oxidation state of +2 and can lose 2 electrons to achieve noble gas like config.

Question 3

Chalcogens

Answer 3

• Group VIA or Group 16
• Oxygen is the most important element in this group
  
  • One of the primary constituents of water, carbohydrates and other biological molecules
• High concentrations of many of these elements can be toxic
• take on oxidation states of -2 (metals) or +6 (non metals) in order to achieve noble gas config.
• Very biologically important

Question 4

Halogens

Answer 4

• Group VIIA or Group 17
• typically take on an oxidation state of -1 and prefer to gain an electron to achieve noble gas like config
• highly reactive non-metals
• have highest electronegativities
• F has highest electronegativity of all elements
• Halogens are not naturally found in their elemental (neutral) state but rather as ions called halides or diatomic molecules

Question 5

Noble Gases

Answer 5

• Group VIIIA or Group 18
• aka “inert gases”
• have fully filled valence shell in their standard state and prefer not to give up or take additional electrons
• very high ionization energies and (for He, Ne, and Ar), virtually nonexistent electronegativities and electron affinities
• low boiling points and exist as gases at room temp
• niche as lighting sources

Question 6

Transition Metals (B)

Answer 6

• Groups IB to VIIIB or Groups 3-12
• metals
• very hard, have high melting and boiling points
• Unique because they take on multiple oxidation states, which explains their ability to form colorful complexes with non metals in solution and their utility in certain biological systems

Question 7

Active Metals

Answer 7

• Alkali Metals and Alkaline Earth Metals
• not naturally found in their elemental (neutral) state

Question 8

Hydrogen Complexes

Answer 8

• solution with molecules of water