In elements 1-86 on the periodic table, one particular group contains one element that forms a diatomic gas in its elemental state, at least one metalloid, two nonmetal solids that are not metalloids, and one element that is exclusively radioactive. The group is:

Question

In elements 1-86 on the periodic table, one particular group contains one element that forms a diatomic gas in its elemental state, at least one metalloid, two nonmetal solids that are not metalloids, and one element that is exclusively radioactive.  The group is:

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11ecba2d_11fc_fdb7_a3bf_8f5ca5cc0631_MD0008_00 Elements are arranged in groups on the periodic table based on their electronic configurations. Elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons and share similarities in their chemical properties (ie, reactivity, bonding) as a result. However, elements within a group can have very different physical properties. In Group 16 (the oxygen group, also called the chalcogens), each element has six valence electrons and tends to gain two additional electrons during chemical bonding. However, the physical properties of each of these elements are very distinctive. Oxygen atoms form double covalent bonds with other oxygen atoms to achieve a full valence shell of electrons; therefore, oxygen is one of the seven common elements that exist as a diatomic molecule (O₂) in their elemental state. Sulfur (S) is a dull yellow, nonmetal solid, and selenium (Se) is a lustrous gray, nonmetal solid. Both elements have very low electrical conductivity and lack the necessary extent of semiconducting ability required to be considered a metalloid. In contrast, tellurium (Te) meets the necessary characteristics and is classified as a metalloid. Polonium (Po) is very rare but all isotopes of polonium are unstable, causing polonium to exist exclusively as a radioactive element. Therefore, Group 16 has one elemental diatomic gas, one metalloid, two nonmetal solids that are not metalloids, and one element that is exclusively radioactive. (Choice A) Group 14 contains only one nonmetal solid that is not a metalloid (C), two metalloids (Si and Ge), and two metals (Sn and Pb). (Choice B) Group 15 has one elemental diatomic gas (N₂) but has one nonmetal solid that is not a metalloid (P), two metalloids (As and Sb), and one metal (Bi). (Choice D) Group 17 contains two elemental diatomic gases (F₂ and Cl₂), one nonmetal solid that is not a metalloid (I), and one metalloid that is also found exclusively as a radioactive element (At). Educational objective: Elements are arranged into groups on the periodic table based on their electronic configurations. Elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons (similar chemical properties) but can have very different physical properties.

In Elements 1-86 on the Periodic Table, One Particular Group