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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 22.44e
Chapter 22, Problem 22.44e

Consider the elements C, Se, B, Sn, and Cl. Identify which of these elements:
e. Forms a hydride with the empirical formula 

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the group and period of each element: C (Carbon), Se (Selenium), B (Boron), Sn (Tin), and Cl (Chlorine).
Recall that hydrides are compounds formed between hydrogen and another element, often from groups 1, 2, 13-17 of the periodic table.
Consider the typical hydride formulas for each group: Group 14 elements like C and Sn form hydrides with the formula MH4, Group 15 elements form MH3, Group 16 elements like Se form MH2, and Group 17 elements like Cl form MH.
Determine which of these elements typically forms a hydride with the empirical formula given in the problem.
Conclude which element from the list forms a hydride with the empirical formula that matches the typical hydride formula for its group.

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Key Concepts

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

Hydrides

Hydrides are compounds formed between hydrogen and another element. They can be classified into ionic, covalent, and metallic hydrides, depending on the nature of the bond. Understanding the type of hydride formed is essential for predicting the properties and reactivity of the compound.
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Empirical Formula

An empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. It provides essential information about the composition of the compound without detailing the actual number of atoms or the structure. This concept is crucial for identifying the correct hydride formed by the elements listed.
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Element Properties

The properties of elements, such as electronegativity, atomic size, and bonding behavior, influence their ability to form hydrides. For instance, nonmetals like carbon and chlorine typically form covalent hydrides, while metals like tin can form ionic hydrides. Recognizing these properties helps in predicting which elements can form hydrides with hydrogen.
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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

Which compound in each of the following pairs is more ionic?

(d) BCl3 or AlCl3

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Textbook Question

Locate each of the following elements on the periodic table.

(f) Group 5A element that forms the strongest p bonds

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Textbook Question

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

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(c) Which compounds yield H2 gas when they are mixed together?

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Textbook Question

Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:

(e) Which of these oxides has the highest melting point? Which has the lowest melting point?

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Textbook Question

Give one example from main-group chemistry that illustrates each of the following descriptions.

d. Polar molecule that violates the octet rule

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