Identify the group 6A element that best fits each of the following descriptions: (a) Is a metal, (b) Is the most abundant element in the human body, (c) Is the strongest oxidizing agent, (d) Has the most negative electron affinity.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the elements in Group 6A (16) of the periodic table. These elements are oxygen (O), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po).

Step 2: Determine which of these elements is a metal. In Group 6A, polonium (Po) is the only element that is classified as a metal.

Step 3: Identify the most abundant element in the human body from Group 6A. Oxygen (O) is the most abundant element in the human body, primarily found in water and organic compounds.

Step 4: Determine which element is the strongest oxidizing agent. Oxygen (O) is known for its strong oxidizing properties, making it the strongest oxidizing agent in Group 6A.

Step 5: Identify the element with the most negative electron affinity. Oxygen (O) has a high electron affinity, but among Group 6A elements, sulfur (S) has the most negative electron affinity.

Key Concepts

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

Group 6A Elements

Group 6A, also known as Group 16 of the periodic table, includes elements such as oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium. These elements exhibit a range of properties, from nonmetals like oxygen to metalloids and metals like polonium. Understanding the characteristics of these elements is crucial for identifying which one fits specific descriptions.

Metallic Character

Metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to exhibit properties typical of metals, such as conductivity, malleability, and ductility. In Group 6A, polonium is the only metal, and its metallic properties distinguish it from the nonmetals and metalloids in the group. Recognizing the metallic character helps in identifying the element that fits the description of being a metal.

Electron Affinity

Electron affinity is the amount of energy released when an atom gains an electron, and it is a measure of how strongly an atom attracts additional electrons. In Group 6A, elements like oxygen and sulfur have high electron affinities, but the trend shows that the most negative electron affinity is found in the nonmetals. This concept is essential for determining which element has the most negative electron affinity in the group.