Question

1. name the chemical family to which each of the following elements belong to. a)chlorine b)magnesium c)potassium d)helium 3) read the name of the elements in the first and second columns on the periodic table. a) what do the names have in common? b) which element is the exception? 4) sodium is a metal, like copper. suggest reasons why sodium cannot be used in electrical wires.

Explanation:

a) Chlorine belongs to the halogen family as it is in group 17 of the periodic table and has 7 valence - electrons. Magnesium is in group 2 and belongs to the alkaline - earth metals family. Potassium is in group 1 and is an alkali metal. Helium is in group 18 and belongs to the noble gases family.
b) The elements in the first column (group 1) are alkali metals and in the second column (group 2) are alkaline - earth metals. Their names often end with "ium" (except hydrogen in group 1). Hydrogen is the exception in group 1 as it is not a metal like the other elements in that group.
c) Sodium is highly reactive with air and water. It can easily catch fire or explode when exposed to air or water, making it unsafe for use in electrical wires. Also, it is soft and would not be able to withstand the mechanical stress required for wire - making.

Answer:

a) a) Chlorine: Halogen family; b) Magnesium: Alkaline - earth metals family; c) Potassium: Alkali metal family; d) Helium: Noble gases family
b) a) Many names end with "ium"; b) Hydrogen
c) Sodium is highly reactive with air and water, and is soft.