Question

The table below lists the properties of a metallic element. (Shiny, silver colored, forms +1 and +2 ions, and compound with sulfur is bright red)
Where on the periodic table can this element most likely be found?
Group 1
Group 2
Group 12
Group 13

Answer 1

Answer:

Group 12, element is mercury

Explanation:

Elements of group 12 are Zn, Cd and Hg.

Valence shell electronic configuration of group 12 elements is: $(n-1)d^{10}ns^2$

Elements of group 12 elements generally exist in +2 oxidation states in their compounds.

However, Hg also form series of compounds in which oxidation state of Hg is +1.

For example, $Hg_2Cl_2\ and\ HgCl_2$

Mercury is a shiny silver colured.

When mercury reacts with sulfur, a odorless red colored ppt is formed.

So among given option, group 12 is the correct answer and element is mercury.

Answer 2

Answer:

Group 13

Explanation:

We have been given some properties of the elements we desire to identify.

The most important and by far unique is the oxidation state of the ions given. This reflects the amount of electrons an atom has lost or gained.

Group 1 and 2 elements have oxidation states of +1 and +2 respectively. This is a very perculiar property of these metals. When group 1 elements lose an electron, nobility is achieved and this goes for group 2 elements too.

Group 12 consists of transition elements. Most transition elements are known to have variable oxidation states. In this group, the common oxidation state is +2.

Group 13 elements have two dominant oxidation numbers which are +1 and +3. Particularly, Aluminum has +2 oxidation state too.

The properties fits in well for aluminum which is a group 13 element.