Which column of the periodic table contains only nonmetals?
A. 7A
B. 3A
C. 5A
D. 4A
E. 6A
Answer (2)
Group 7A (Halogens) consists of fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At), all of which are nonmetals.
Groups 3A, 5A, 4A, and 6A contain metals and/or metalloids.
Therefore, the column containing only nonmetals is Group 7A.
The answer is 7A.
Explanation
Problem Analysis We need to identify which column (group) of the periodic table consists exclusively of nonmetals. Let's examine each option.
Analyzing Each Group
Group 7A (Halogens): This group includes fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). All of these elements are nonmetals.
Group 3A: This group includes boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), and thallium (Tl). Aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium are metals, so this group does not contain only nonmetals.
Group 5A: This group includes nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). Nitrogen and phosphorus are nonmetals, arsenic and antimony are metalloids, and bismuth is a metal. Thus, this group does not contain only nonmetals.
Group 4A: This group includes carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb). Carbon is a nonmetal, silicon and germanium are metalloids, and tin and lead are metals. Thus, this group does not contain only nonmetals.
Group 6A: This group includes oxygen (O), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po). Oxygen, sulfur, and selenium are nonmetals, tellurium is a metalloid, and polonium is a metal. Thus, this group does not contain only nonmetals.
Conclusion From the analysis above, only Group 7A (the halogens) consists entirely of nonmetals.
Examples
Understanding the properties of elements in the periodic table is crucial in chemistry. For example, knowing that Group 7A elements are nonmetals helps predict their behavior in chemical reactions, such as their tendency to gain electrons to form stable compounds. This knowledge is essential in designing new materials, understanding environmental processes, and developing new technologies.
Group 7A of the periodic table, also known as the Halogens, consists exclusively of nonmetals such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. The other groups listed contain metals and/or metalloids. Thus, the correct answer is 7A.
;
