Answer :
Part A:
Locate the row containing lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs). Look up these elements in the periodic table and click each element to reveal its properties. Explain why Mendeleev might have grouped these elements together.
Explanation:
Mendeleev grouped lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs) together because they all share similar properties, specifically being alkali metals. Alkali metals are located in Group 1 of the periodic table and have several key characteristics in common:
1. Valence electrons: All these elements have a single valence electron in their outermost electron shell. This makes them highly reactive, particularly with water, forming strong alkaline hydroxides.
2. Softness: These metals are generally soft and can be cut with a knife.
3. Low melting points: Compared to other metals, they have relatively low melting points.
4. Highly reactive: Due to their single valence electron, alkali metals react vigorously, especially with water, to form hydrogen gas and a hydroxide.
5. Similar chemical behavior: Their chemical reactions with other elements are quite similar, such as in forming salts with halogens.
These similarities in physical and chemical properties justify Mendeleev's decision to group them together in his periodic table.
Part B:
Mendeleev placed thallium (Tl) in the same group as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs). However, the modern periodic table doesn't place thallium in this group. Use the periodic table to find the properties of thallium. Explain why Mendeleev might have grouped thallium in the same group as lithium and sodium. Also explain how thallium is different from the other five elements.
Explanation:
Properties of thallium (Tl):
- Group: 13 (modern periodic table)
- Category: Post-transition metal
- Valence electron configuration: Thallium has three valence electrons (2 in the 6s orbital and 1 in the 6p orbital).
- Reactivity: Thallium is less reactive than alkali metals. It is more similar to other post-transition metals such as lead.
Why Mendeleev might have grouped thallium with alkali metals:
During Mendeleev's time, not all properties of elements were known, and he primarily used atomic weight and chemical properties to group elements. Thallium's atomic weight and some of its observable chemical reactions may have led Mendeleev to group it with alkali metals. For instance, thallium can form compounds similar to alkali metals, such as thallium hydroxide (TlOH).
Differences between thallium and alkali metals:
1. Group placement: In the modern periodic table, thallium is placed in Group 13, whereas alkali metals are in Group 1.
2. Number of valence electrons: Thallium has three valence electrons, as opposed to the single valence electron found in alkali metals.
3. Chemical properties: Thallium's chemical behavior is distinct from alkali metals. It forms less basic hydroxides and has different reaction tendencies.
4. Reactivity: Thallium is less reactive compared to alkali metals. It does not react as vigorously with water or other non-metals.
5. Physical properties: Thallium is denser and has different physical characteristics compared to the softer, lighter alkali metals.
Mendeleev's initial grouping might be based on limited observation and available knowledge at the time, leading to misclassifications that were later corrected with advancements in atomic theory and chemical research.
Locate the row containing lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs). Look up these elements in the periodic table and click each element to reveal its properties. Explain why Mendeleev might have grouped these elements together.
Explanation:
Mendeleev grouped lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs) together because they all share similar properties, specifically being alkali metals. Alkali metals are located in Group 1 of the periodic table and have several key characteristics in common:
1. Valence electrons: All these elements have a single valence electron in their outermost electron shell. This makes them highly reactive, particularly with water, forming strong alkaline hydroxides.
2. Softness: These metals are generally soft and can be cut with a knife.
3. Low melting points: Compared to other metals, they have relatively low melting points.
4. Highly reactive: Due to their single valence electron, alkali metals react vigorously, especially with water, to form hydrogen gas and a hydroxide.
5. Similar chemical behavior: Their chemical reactions with other elements are quite similar, such as in forming salts with halogens.
These similarities in physical and chemical properties justify Mendeleev's decision to group them together in his periodic table.
Part B:
Mendeleev placed thallium (Tl) in the same group as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs). However, the modern periodic table doesn't place thallium in this group. Use the periodic table to find the properties of thallium. Explain why Mendeleev might have grouped thallium in the same group as lithium and sodium. Also explain how thallium is different from the other five elements.
Explanation:
Properties of thallium (Tl):
- Group: 13 (modern periodic table)
- Category: Post-transition metal
- Valence electron configuration: Thallium has three valence electrons (2 in the 6s orbital and 1 in the 6p orbital).
- Reactivity: Thallium is less reactive than alkali metals. It is more similar to other post-transition metals such as lead.
Why Mendeleev might have grouped thallium with alkali metals:
During Mendeleev's time, not all properties of elements were known, and he primarily used atomic weight and chemical properties to group elements. Thallium's atomic weight and some of its observable chemical reactions may have led Mendeleev to group it with alkali metals. For instance, thallium can form compounds similar to alkali metals, such as thallium hydroxide (TlOH).
Differences between thallium and alkali metals:
1. Group placement: In the modern periodic table, thallium is placed in Group 13, whereas alkali metals are in Group 1.
2. Number of valence electrons: Thallium has three valence electrons, as opposed to the single valence electron found in alkali metals.
3. Chemical properties: Thallium's chemical behavior is distinct from alkali metals. It forms less basic hydroxides and has different reaction tendencies.
4. Reactivity: Thallium is less reactive compared to alkali metals. It does not react as vigorously with water or other non-metals.
5. Physical properties: Thallium is denser and has different physical characteristics compared to the softer, lighter alkali metals.
Mendeleev's initial grouping might be based on limited observation and available knowledge at the time, leading to misclassifications that were later corrected with advancements in atomic theory and chemical research.
