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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.22 - The Main Group ElementsProblem 22.44c
Chapter 22, Problem 22.44c

Consider the elements C, Se, B, Sn, and Cl. Identify which of these elements:
c. Is the best electrical conductor

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1
Identify the type of elements given: C (Carbon), Se (Selenium), B (Boron), Sn (Tin), and Cl (Chlorine).
Recall that metals are generally good conductors of electricity due to their free-moving electrons.
Determine which of these elements is a metal.
Recognize that Sn (Tin) is a metal, while the others are nonmetals or metalloids.
Conclude that Sn (Tin) is the best electrical conductor among the given elements.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material to allow the flow of electric current. This property is influenced by the presence of free-moving charge carriers, such as electrons in metals. Generally, metals exhibit high conductivity due to their atomic structure, which allows electrons to move freely, while nonmetals typically have lower conductivity.
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Metallic vs. Nonmetallic Elements

Elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals, such as Sn (tin) and Cl (chlorine), tend to be good conductors of electricity, while nonmetals, like C (carbon) and Se (selenium), are usually poor conductors. Understanding this classification helps in predicting the electrical behavior of different elements.
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Comparison of Conductivity in Specific Elements

When comparing the electrical conductivity of specific elements, it is essential to consider their position in the periodic table and their metallic character. For instance, among the elements listed, Sn is a metal and is known for its good conductivity, while C can conduct electricity in certain forms (like graphite) but is generally less conductive than metals. This comparison aids in identifying the best electrical conductor among the given elements.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Complete and balance the equation for each of the following reactions.

d. C2H6(g)+H2O(g)→catalystheatC_2H_6\(\left\)(g\(\right\))+H_2O\(\left\)(g\(\right\))\(\overset{heat}{\underset{catalyst}\]\rightarrow\)}

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Textbook Question

Consider the elements N, Si, Al, S, and F. Identify which of these elements:

c. Is a semiconductor

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Textbook Question

Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.

(c) Is extremely toxic

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Textbook Question

The following pictures represent structures of the hydrides of four second-row elements:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(b) Which compound has the lowest boiling point?

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Textbook Question

In the following pictures of binary hydrides, ivory spheres

represent H atoms or ions, and burgundy spheres represent

atoms or ions of the other element.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(b) What is the oxidation state of hydrogen in compounds (1), (2), and (3)? What is the oxidation state of the other

element?

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Textbook Question

Consider the six second- and third-row elements in groups 4A–6A of the periodic table:


Possible structures for the binary fluorides of each of these elements in its highest oxidation state are shown below.


(b) Explain why the fluorides of nitrogen and phosphorus have different molecular structures but the fluorides of carbon and silicon have the same molecular structure.

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