Based on the information in the table, which two elements are most likely in the same group, and why?
| Element | Atomic mass (amu) | Total electrons | Valence electrons | Year isolated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismuth (Bi) | 209 | 83 | 5 | 1753 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 14 | 7 | 5 | 1772 |
| Oxygen (O) | 16 | 8 | 6 | 1772 |
| Sodium (Na) | 23 | 11 | 1 | 1807 |
| Thallium (TI) | 204 | 81 | 3 | 1861 |
A. bismuth and thallium, because their atomic masses are very similar
B. nitrogen and oxygen, because they were both first isolated in the same year
C. sodium and thallium, because their names both end in the same suffix: -ium
D. bismuth and nitrogen, because they have the same number of valence electrons
Answer (2)
Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons.
Bismuth and Nitrogen both have 5 valence electrons.
Other options are irrelevant to group membership.
Therefore, Bismuth and Nitrogen are most likely in the same group: bi s m u t han d ni t ro g e n , b ec a u se t h ey ha v e t h es am e n u mb ero f v a l e n cee l ec t ro n s
Explanation
Analyzing the Problem We are given a table with information about five elements: Bismuth (Bi), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na), and Thallium (Tl). The information includes atomic mass, total electrons, valence electrons, and year isolated. The question asks which two elements are most likely in the same group and why. Elements in the same group of the periodic table have the same number of valence electrons. We need to analyze the given options and choose the one that correctly identifies two elements with the same number of valence electrons.
Evaluating the Options Let's examine each option:
Option 1: Bismuth and Thallium have similar atomic masses. Atomic mass is not a primary factor determining group membership.
Option 2: Nitrogen and Oxygen were isolated in the same year. The year of isolation is irrelevant to group membership.
Option 3: Sodium and Thallium have names ending in -ium. This is a superficial similarity and not related to group membership.
Option 4: Bismuth and Nitrogen have the same number of valence electrons. Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons. Bismuth and Nitrogen both have 5 valence electrons.
Determining the Correct Answer Based on the analysis, the most likely answer is bismuth and nitrogen, because they have the same number of valence electrons. Elements in the same group of the periodic table have the same number of valence electrons, which determines their chemical properties.
Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is bismuth and nitrogen, because they have the same number of valence electrons.
Examples
Understanding the periodic table and group properties is crucial in chemistry. For example, elements in Group 1 (alkali metals) like Sodium (Na) all react vigorously with water. Elements in Group 17 (halogens) like Chlorine (Cl) are highly reactive nonmetals. Knowing that elements in the same group share similar chemical properties helps predict how they will behave in chemical reactions. This knowledge is essential in various applications, such as designing new materials, developing new drugs, and understanding environmental processes.
The two elements most likely in the same group are Bismuth and Nitrogen, because they both have 5 valence electrons. This similarity in valence electrons indicates that they share similar chemical properties. Therefore, the answer is option D.
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