Group 16

Question 1

Name the group 16 elements, state which are metals, metalloids and non-metals

Answer 1

Oxygen - non-metal
Sulfur - non-metal
Selenium - metalloid
Tellurium - metalloid
Polonium - metal

Question 2

Compare and explain the bond enthalpies of O=0, S=S, O-O and S-S

Answer 2

The O-O bond is weaker than the S-S bond because O is a smaller atom and so its lone pairs repel each other storngly. The O=O bond however, is stronger than the S=S bond because the p-orbital overlap is better in smaller atoms.

Question 3

Predict the structure of oxides using electronegativities of the elements

Answer 3

Electronegative elements for molecular oxides. Electro positive elements form ionic oxides. Those in the middle for polymeric oxides