I am in the p-block of the Periodic Table.
My melting point is the highest in my period (ignore tansition metals).
I am not the smallest atom in my group.
My first ionization energy is greater than that of germanium.
What element am I?
Here are the steps to identify the element based on the given information:
1. Identify the elements in the p-block of the periodic table. The p-block elements are located on the right side of the periodic table, between groups 13 and 18.
2. Look for an element in the p-block whose melting point is the highest in its period. The melting points generally increase across a period and decrease down a group.
3. Exclude the transition metals from consideration, as the question mentions to ignore them.
4. Find an element that is not the smallest atom in its group. In general, as you move down a group, the atoms get larger.
5. Compare the first ionization energy of Germanium (Ge) with the potential elements. The first ionization energy is the energy required to remove the outermost electron from an atom.
Based on these criteria, the element that fits all the given information is Antimony (Sb). It is in the p-block, has the highest melting point in its period (Period 5), is not the smallest atom in its group (Group 15), and has a greater first ionization energy than Germanium (Ge).
To determine the element described, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the position in the p-block of the periodic table: The p-block is composed of elements from groups 13 to 18.
2. Find an element where the melting point is the highest in its period: Each period in the periodic table corresponds to a row, and the melting points generally increase from left to right. Look for an element in its respective period (row) where its melting point is the highest.
3. Exclude transition metals: Transition metals are not part of the p-block, so you can eliminate any transition metal elements from consideration.
4. Look for an element that is not the smallest atom in its group: Elements in the same group tend to have similar atomic radii. Find an element within its respective group (column) that is not the smallest.
5. Compare the first ionization energy with that of germanium: The first ionization energy refers to the energy required to remove one electron from an atom in its gaseous state. Compare the first ionization energy of germanium (atomic number 32) with the unknown element. The unknown element should have a greater first ionization energy than germanium.
Combining these criteria, the element that fits the given description is ANTIMONY (Sb). Antimony is located in group 15 (p-block), has the highest melting point in its period (period 5), is not the smallest atom in its group, and has a higher first ionization energy than germanium.