To determine the most likely group of the periodic table where this metallic element would be found, we will examine the properties provided. Here's a detailed breakdown of these properties and how they guide us to the correct answer:
1. Shiny and Silver Colored:
- Many metals in the periodic table are shiny and typically have a silver or grey color. This general property suggests that the element could belong to a variety of groups.
2. Forms +1 and +2 Ions:
- Forming +1 and +2 ions is a more specific property. Metals that commonly form +1 ions are typically found in Group 1 (Alkali Metals), and those that form +2 ions are often found in Group 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals). However, an element that can form both +1 and +2 ions suggests versatility in oxidation states, which is characteristic of some transition metals, including those in Group 12.
3. Compound with Sulfur is Bright Red:
- The characteristic of forming a bright red compound with sulfur is distinctive. In terms of chemistry, mercury (Hg), a Group 12 element, forms a bright red compound known as cinnabar (mercury sulfide, HgS).
By evaluating these observations:
- Group 1 elements (like sodium and potassium) typically form only +1 ions.
- Group 2 elements (like magnesium and calcium) typically form +2 ions.
- Group 13 elements (like aluminum) usually form +3 ions.
- Group 12 elements (like zinc, cadmium, and mercury), however, have the capability to form +1 and +2 ions (especially mercury, which forms [tex]\(Hg_2^{2+}\)[/tex] in addition to [tex]\(Hg^{2+}\)[/tex]).
Given these properties, the element most fitting this description would belong to Group 12 of the periodic table.
Hence, the element most likely to be found in Group 12.
