What Group/Family is the Following Element in Ar 4s23d104p5?
When examining the electron configuration of an element, such as Ar 4s23d104p5, it’s essential to understand the group or family it belongs to. This knowledge can provide insights into its chemical properties, behavior, and potential applications. Let’s delve into the details of this element and its group/family classification.
Understanding Electron Configuration
Electron configuration is a way to describe the arrangement of electrons in an atom’s orbitals. It follows a specific notation, where the number of electrons in each subshell is represented. In the case of Ar 4s23d104p5, the notation breaks down as follows:
| Subshell | Electron Count |
|---|---|
| 4s | 2 |
| 3d | 10 |
| 4p | 5 |
This notation indicates that the element has two electrons in the 4s subshell, ten electrons in the 3d subshell, and five electrons in the 4p subshell. Now, let’s determine the group/family to which this element belongs.
Determining the Group/Family
Elements are classified into groups and families based on their electron configurations and chemical properties. To determine the group/family of Ar 4s23d104p5, we need to look at the outermost electron shell, which in this case is the 4p subshell.
The 4p subshell contains five electrons, which means the element is in the p-block of the periodic table. The p-block elements are further divided into groups based on the number of valence electrons in their outermost shell. In this case, the element has five valence electrons, so it belongs to Group 15 or the nitrogen family.
Properties of Group 15 Elements
Group 15 elements, also known as the nitrogen family, are characterized by their five valence electrons. These elements have several distinct properties:
- Non-metals: Group 15 elements are non-metals, which means they are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
- Valence electrons: They have five valence electrons, which makes them highly reactive and capable of forming various compounds.
- Hydrogen compounds: Group 15 elements can form hydrogen compounds, such as ammonia (NH3) and phosphine (PH3), which are essential in various industrial applications.
- Chemical bonding: These elements can form covalent bonds with other non-metals, as well as ionic bonds with metals.
Applications of Group 15 Elements
Group 15 elements have numerous applications in various fields:
- Ammonia: Ammonia is used as a fertilizer, a cleaning agent, and a refrigerant.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and fireworks.
- Phosphine: Phosphine is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
- Polymers: Some Group 15 elements, such as nitrogen, are used in the production of polymers, such as nylon and polyurethane.
In conclusion, the element with the electron configuration Ar 4s23d104p5 belongs to Group 15 or the nitrogen family. This group is characterized by its non-metallic properties, five valence electrons, and various applications in agriculture, industry, and everyday life.
