Problem 41 Find the atomic number \((Z)\) f... [FREE SOLUTION] (2024)

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The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that organizes the chemical elements based on their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are presented in order of increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Each row is known as a 'period,' and each column is termed a 'group' or 'family.' The layout is designed to highlight periodic trends and allows scientists and students to quickly identify relationships between elements.

For example, elements that share a group often exhibit similar chemical reactions and characteristics. Metals are typically found on the left side of the periodic table, while nonmetals reside on the right. The table also distinguishes between main-group elements, transition metals, lanthanides, and actinides. Knowing how to use the periodic table is essential for any student of chemistry, as it is not just a list of elements but also a tool for predicting chemical behavior.

Chemical elements are pure substances that consist of a single type of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus. An understanding of elements is fundamental to chemistry because they are the building blocks of matter. Elements combine to form chemical compounds through bonding, and there are over 100 known elements, each with unique properties that determine how they interact with other elements.

Elements are identified by their symbol, such as 'H' for hydrogen or 'O' for oxygen, and these symbols are used universally across the scientific community. Elements vary greatly in abundance, with some, like hydrogen and oxygen, being very common, whereas others, like gold and platinum, being rare.

Protactinium (Pa) is an element with the atomic number 91. It's a rare and highly radioactive metal that resides in Group 7, Period 7 of the periodic table. It was once called protoactinium and is positioned between thorium and uranium, both of which it is decayed into, within the actinide series. Protactinium has a bright metallic luster when freshly cut, but it tarnishes readily to a dull, yellowish color when exposed to air.

It has very few practical applications due to its rarity, toxicity, and radioactivity; however, it is sometimes used in studying the behavior of more common elements in the actinide series. Understanding protactinium can help students learn about nuclear reactions and the complexities of inner-transition metals.

Francium (Fr) is an alkali metal with the atomic number 87, positioned at the bottom of Group 1 in the periodic table. It is the heaviest known alkali metal and is extremely rare and radioactive. Francium has a half-life of only 22 minutes, which means it decays rapidly after formation; thus, it's highly unlikely to be encountered outside of a laboratory environment.

The scarcity and short half-life of francium make it a fascinating topic for research, primarily directed at understanding more about atomic structure and decay processes. Despite its lack of practical use, studying francium can contribute to the scientific understanding of the heavier elements in the periodic table.

Krypton (Kr) is a noble gas with the atomic number 36, found in Group 18 of the periodic table. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and exhibits an orange glow when used in electrical and fluorescent lamps. Unlike many elements, krypton does not easily form compounds with other elements due to its stable outer electron shell.

Its applications include lighting, such as in airport runway lights, and in some forms of photography. Krypton is also used in high-precision scientific measurements the definition of the meter was once based on the wavelength of a krypton isotope. Thus, learning about krypton can give insights into both the practical applications of noble gases and their role in scientific metrology.

Germanium (Ge) is a metalloid with the atomic number 32, positioned in Group 14 of the periodic table. It has properties in between those of metals and non-metals, making it a versatile element in several applications. When purified, germanium is a semiconducting material that plays a significant role in the electronics industry, particularly in the early development of transistors.

Germanium is also used in fiber optics, infrared optics, and in the creation of alloys. Understanding germanium's characteristics and uses is important for students interested in materials science and the historical development of electronic devices.

Aluminum (Al) is a lightweight metal with the atomic number 13, placed in Group 13 of the periodic table. It is known for its durability, malleability, and resistance to corrosion, which makes it extremely useful in various applications such as manufacturing vehicles, constructing buildings, and creating consumer goods like cans and foil.

Aluminum is abundant in the earth's crust and is usually extracted from the mineral bauxite. Studying aluminum offers a glimpse into its widespread role in everyday life and its significance in the global economy. Its remarkable properties, including thermal and electrical conductivity, reflectivity, and ability to form alloys, make aluminum an integral element in the fields of engineering and materials science.