Chapter 7: Elements of Groups 16, 17, and 18

What are the p-block elements known for?

Their differentiating electron enters the p-orbital of the outermost shell.

What is the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a p-subshell?

Six electrons.

Which group is referred to as the oxygen family?

Group 16, also known as chalcogens.

What is the most abundant element on Earth by volume?

Oxygen, which forms 20.95% of air.

Where is sulfur commonly found?

In sulfates such as gypsum and Epsom salt, and sulfides like galena and zinc blende.

Which elements are included in Group 17?

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.

What is the half-life of astatine?

Approximately 8.1 hours.

Which group comprises the noble gases?

Group 18, including helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.

What is the major constituent of the atmosphere among the noble gases?

Argon.

How is helium obtained?

From natural gas.

What is the electronic configuration of Group 16 elements?

ns²np⁴.

What is the electronic configuration of Group 17 elements?

ns²np⁵.

What is the electronic configuration of Group 18 elements?

ns²np⁶.

How does the atomic radius change down the groups?

It increases due to additional quantum shells.

What happens to ionization enthalpy down groups 16, 17, and 18?

It decreases down the group.

How does electronegativity change down a group?

It decreases down the group.

Which element is the most electronegative after fluorine?

Oxygen.

What type of electron gain enthalpy do Groups 16 and 17 have?

Negative values.

What is unique about noble gases regarding electron gain enthalpy?

They have large positive values due to their stable configuration.

How do melting and boiling points change for Groups 16 and 17?

They increase down the group.

What characterizes the density of elements in groups 16, 17, and 18?

Density increases down the group.

What is the typical oxidation state for Group 16 elements?

Typically -2, but can also have +2, +4, and +6.

What is the primary oxidation state for Group 17 elements?

Primarily -1.

What oxidation states can some Group 17 elements show?

+1, +3, +5, and +7.

Which group is mostly inert?

Group 18.

What kind of compounds can xenon form?

XeF₂, XeF₄, and XeF₆.

What do Group 16 elements form with hydrogen?

Hydrides (e.g., H₂O, H₂S, H₂Se, H₂Te, H₂Po).

What happens to the thermal stability of Group 16 hydrides down the group?

It decreases down the group.

How does acidic strength change for hydrogen halides in Group 17?

Acidic strength increases down the group.

Do Group 18 elements react with hydrogen?

No, they do not react with hydrogen.

What types of oxides do Group 16 elements form?

Acidic oxides like SO₂, SeO₂, TeO₂.

What types of oxides do Group 17 elements form?

Unstable oxides such as ClO₂, BrO₃, I₂O₅.

What do Group 18 elements not form?

Stable oxides.

What kind of halides do Group 16 elements form?

Halides such as SF₆, SeF₆, and TeF₆.

What compounds do Group 17 elements form?

Interhalogen compounds like ClF, BrCl, IBr, ClF₃, and BrF₅.

Which important compounds are associated with Group 16?

SO₂, SO₃, H₂SO₄, SeO₃, TeCl₄.

Which important compounds are associated with Group 17?

HF, HCl, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂O₅.

What are some important compounds for Group 18?

XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆, XeO₃, XeOF₄.

What is oxygen essential for?

Respiration.

What is sulfur used for in industry?

In vulcanization of rubber.

What is selenium used in?

Photocells.

What is tellurium used for?

Metallurgy.

What is chlorine used for?

Water purification.

How is fluorine used in everyday products?

In toothpaste.

What application does iodine have?

Used in medicine.

What is bromine used in?

Fire retardants.

What is helium commonly used for?

In balloons and cryogenics.

What is neon primarily used for?

In lighting.

How is argon utilized in industry?

In welding.

What unique use does krypton have?

In high-performance lighting.

What is xenon used for in medical contexts?

In anesthesia.