Chapter 4: Problem 2
The element with atomic number \(118(\) Uuo \()\) has been discovered recently. Which of the following statements is not expected for this element? (a) It is a radioactive element (b) It is a solid at room temperature (c) It's ionisation energy is lowest in group 18 (d) It is more reactive than xenon
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Element
Assessing Radioactivity
Evaluating Physical State
Ionization Energy Consideration
Reactivity with Reference to Xenon
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radioactive Elements
Since it's a heavy element with a high atomic number, it is inherently unstable. This instability causes it to decay quickly into lighter elements. These super-heavy elements, like Oganesson, are created artificially in laboratories, and their half-lives often last only a few milliseconds.
Understanding radioactivity is crucial as it impacts the element's stability and existence, which is why most elements beyond Bismuth are radioactive. Radioactivity means that these elements will not exist naturally for long periods because they decay into more stable forms.
Noble Gases
Oganesson is the newest and heaviest member of this group. Noble gases are distinguished by their full valence electron shells, which contribute to their low reactivity.
At standard conditions, noble gases are colorless, odorless, and have low boiling and melting points, existing as gases. However, the properties can change for heavier noble gases, where Oganesson might deviate slightly due to its higher mass.
Periodic Table Trends
As you move down any group in the periodic table, atomic size generally increases, and with that, other properties such as ionization energy and electron affinity tend to decrease.
In the case of noble gases, the heavier the gas, the lower its ionization energy. This decrease is because the outermost electrons are further from the nucleus and feel less of an attraction, making them easier to remove.
Ionization Energy
For noble gases like Oganesson, ionization energy typically decreases as you move down the group.
The outer electrons are farther from the nucleus, experience less electrostatic force, and thus, are easier to remove. Oganesson, therefore, would have the lowest ionization energy among the noble gases, adhering to this periodic trend.
Reactivity of Noble Gases
However, heavier noble gases like Xenon can form compounds under specific conditions, showing a degree of reactivity. Oganesson, being heavier than Xenon, might exhibit limited reactivity, but it's still expected to be less reactive than Xenon due to its position in the group.
Understanding these reactivity trends helps in predicting and analyzing the chemical behavior of these elements in various scenarios.