O Level Chemistry – Periodic Table Mini Series (Part III)

In the previous blogpost on Periodic Table Mini Series (Part II), we have discussed on the main Features of The Periodic Table. Today we are going to continue with another important feature of The Periodic Table.

METALLOIDS:

Bold line divides the elements into Metals (LHS) & Non-Metals (RHS), as shown above.

Tip to rmbr: Bold line starts by separating the Metallic Al & Non-Metallic B

Several elements located near bold line

Known as Metalloids
Have properties of Metals & Non-Metals
Commonly used in the Semi-Con Industry to make computer chips
Example: Silicon & Germanium

(Image by snowfan)

Here are 2 questions for you to work on:

Question 1:
In which GROUP & PERIOD is Germanium and Silicon located in the Periodic Table?

Question 2:
What is the commonality / similarity between Germanium & Silicon?

PS: Try it out and leave down your suggested answers (and explanations) in the section “LEAVE A REPLY” directly below this blogpost, and we will come in to discuss the correct answers.

SimpleChemConcepts | O Level Chemistry - Periodic Table Mini Series (Part IV)

February 1, 2009 | 2:01 pm

[...] Introductory Section of “Up Your Chemistry Grades Now!”. Thanks for visiting this websiteIn the previous blog post of the Periodic Table Mini Series, we have discussed about the properties of a special group of [...]

Kwee

February 27, 2009 | 3:23 pm

1. Germanium, Ge is in Group IV Period 4; Silicon, Si is in Group IV Period 3

2. Both of them are in the same group (i.e. grp IV) and thus have the same number of valence electrons.

sean Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 11:26 am

Hi Kwee,

You are spot on..

Question 1: You got it ALL Correct!

Question 2: Both Si and GE indeed have same number of valence electrons, that is the reason they are placed in Group IV of The Periodic Table. But beside looking at the valence electrons, can you tell me something about the physical and chemical similarity for both Si and Ge?

Hear from you. Leave your comments directly below.

Mid-Year Examinations is coming…Revise well =)

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Sean Chua
Master Trainer & Author
WINNERS Education Group

“Experience Learning with A Difference”

February 27, 2009 | 3:53 pm

Reasons:

1. Group refers to vertical columns. Not counting the transition metals, Ge and Si are on the 4th column. Period is the horizontal row. 1st period starts from (H) and (He). Si is on the 3rd period; Ge on the 4th

2. Same explanation as in qn 1, Ge and Si are on the 4th Group. Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, and the number of valence electrons is the same as the Group number. Ge and Si have 4 valence electrons.

sean Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 11:28 am

Point 1: You are absolutely correct. Well done!

Point 2: Yes both have 4 valence electrons. Can you tell me more about the physical and chemical similarity for both Si and Ge? Examiners will be looking for that.

sharon

March 11, 2009 | 6:18 pm

1) Ge lies on the IV group in the 4th period
Si lies in the IV group in the 3rd period

2) Si and Ge lie in the same group and therefore have the same valency and the same number of valence electrons.

sean Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 11:31 am

Hi Sharon,

Good to see you participating.

Confucius once said: “Hear and you forget, See and you rmbr, but only when you Do you tend to understand”

Question 1: You are absolutely correct. Well Done!

Question 2: Yes, both in same group thus same valency and number of valence electrons.Can you tell me more about the physical and chemical similarity for both Si and Ge? Examiners will be looking for that.

SimpleChemConcepts | O Level Chemistry Questions & Answers - Summary

April 22, 2009 | 1:38 am

[...] Table Mini Series – Part I Periodic Table Mini Series – Part II Periodic Table Mini Series – Part III Periodic Table Mini Series – Part IV Periodic Table Mini Series – Part V Periodic Table Mini Series [...]

waleed bin qasim

October 9, 2009 | 11:51 pm