Question

Captain Kirk has set a trap for the Klingons who are threatening an innocent planet. He has sent small groups of fighter rockets to sites that are invisible to Klingon radar and put a decoy in the open. He calls this the "fishhook" strategy. Mr. Spock has sent a coded message to the chemists on the fighters to tell the ships what to do next. The outline of the message is Fill in the blanks of the message using the following clues. (1) Symbol of the halogen whose hydride has the second highest boiling point in the series of HX compounds that are hydrogen halides. (2) Symbol of the halogen that is the only hydrogen halide, $\mathrm{HX}$, that is a weak acid in aqueous solution. (3) Symbol of the element whose existence on the sun was known before its existence on earth was discovered. (4) The Group $5 \mathrm{~A}$ element in Table $20.13$ that should have the most metallic character. (5) Symbol of the Group $6 \mathrm{~A}$ element that, like selenium, is a semiconductor. (6) Symbol for the element known in rhombic and monoclinic forms. (7) Symbol for the element that exists as diatomic molecules in a yellow-green gas when not combined with another element. (8) Symbol for the most abundant element in and near the earth's crust. (9) Symbol for the element that seems to give some protection against cancer when a diet rich in this element is consumed. (10) Symbol for the smallest noble gas that forms compounds with fluorine having the general formula $\mathrm{AF}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{AF}_{4}$ (reverse the symbol and split the letters as shown). (11) Symbol for the toxic element that, like phosphorus and antimony, forms tetrameric molecules when uncombined with other elements (split the letters of the symbol as shown). (12) Symbol for the element that occurs as an inert component of air but is a very prominent part of fertilizers and explosives.

Name: Problem 122, Chapter 20: Chemistry
Uploaded: 2020-10-14T22:47:40-08:00
Duration: 8 min 21 s
Channel: Christina Lollar

   Captain Kirk has set a trap for the Klingons who are threatening an innocent planet. He has sent small groups of fighter rockets to sites that are invisible to Klingon radar and put a decoy in the open. He calls this the "fishhook" strategy. Mr. Spock has sent a coded message to the chemists on the fighters to tell the ships what to do next. The outline of the message is 
Fill in the blanks of the message using the following clues.
(1) Symbol of the halogen whose hydride has the second highest boiling point in the series of HX compounds that are hydrogen halides.
(2) Symbol of the halogen that is the only hydrogen halide, $\mathrm{HX}$, that is a weak acid in aqueous solution.
(3) Symbol of the element whose existence on the sun was known before its existence on earth was discovered.
(4) The Group $5 \mathrm{~A}$ element in Table $20.13$ that should have the most metallic character.
(5) Symbol of the Group $6 \mathrm{~A}$ element that, like selenium, is a semiconductor.
(6) Symbol for the element known in rhombic and monoclinic forms.
(7) Symbol for the element that exists as diatomic molecules in a yellow-green gas when not combined with another element. 
(8) Symbol for the most abundant element in and near the earth's crust.
(9) Symbol for the element that seems to give some protection against cancer when a diet rich in this element is consumed.
(10) Symbol for the smallest noble gas that forms compounds with fluorine having the general formula $\mathrm{AF}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{AF}_{4}$ (reverse the symbol and split the letters as shown).
(11) Symbol for the toxic element that, like phosphorus and antimony, forms tetrameric molecules when uncombined with other elements (split the letters of the symbol as shown).
(12) Symbol for the element that occurs as an inert component of air but is a very prominent part of fertilizers and explosives.

Chemistry

Steven S. Zumdahl,… 8th Edition

Chapter 20, Problem 122

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Christina Lollar

10/14/2020

Step 1

The boiling points increase in the order HF < HCl < HBr < HI, so the second highest boiling point is for HBr. The symbol of the halogen is Br. (2) The only hydrogen halide that is a weak acid in aqueous solution is HF. The symbol of the halogen is F. (3) The Show more…

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Captain Kirk has set a trap for the Klingons who are threatening an innocent planet. He has sent small groups of fighter rockets to sites that are invisible to Klingon radar and put a decoy in the open. He calls this the "fishhook" strategy. Mr. Spock has sent a coded message to the chemists on the fighters to tell the ships what to do next. The outline of the message is Fill in the blanks of the message using the following clues. (1) Symbol of the halogen whose hydride has the second highest boiling point in the series of HX compounds that are hydrogen halides. (2) Symbol of the halogen that is the only hydrogen halide, $\mathrm{HX}$, that is a weak acid in aqueous solution. (3) Symbol of the element whose existence on the sun was known before its existence on earth was discovered. (4) The Group $5 \mathrm{~A}$ element in Table $20.13$ that should have the most metallic character. (5) Symbol of the Group $6 \mathrm{~A}$ element that, like selenium, is a semiconductor. (6) Symbol for the element known in rhombic and monoclinic forms. (7) Symbol for the element that exists as diatomic molecules in a yellow-green gas when not combined with another element. (8) Symbol for the most abundant element in and near the earth's crust. (9) Symbol for the element that seems to give some protection against cancer when a diet rich in this element is consumed. (10) Symbol for the smallest noble gas that forms compounds with fluorine having the general formula $\mathrm{AF}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{AF}_{4}$ (reverse the symbol and split the letters as shown). (11) Symbol for the toxic element that, like phosphorus and antimony, forms tetrameric molecules when uncombined with other elements (split the letters of the symbol as shown). (12) Symbol for the element that occurs as an inert component of air but is a very prominent part of fertilizers and explosives.

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Key Concepts

Periodic Table and Element Classification

This key concept focuses on how elements are organized into groups and periods based on their atomic structure and chemical properties. Understanding this system helps predict trends in reactivity, electronegativity, and other physical characteristics, enabling one to identify elements from various clues based on their position in the table.

Halogens and Hydrogen Halides

Halogens are a specific group of elements known for their high reactivity and characteristic diatomic molecules. Their hydrides, the hydrogen halides, exhibit trends in boiling points and acid strengths that can be used to deduce which halogen is being referred to, making this concept critical for interpreting clues based on physical and chemical variation within the group.

Chemical Symbol Identification

Every element is assigned a unique symbol, usually derived from its English or Latin name, which is used universally to represent it in chemical equations and discussions. Mastery of these symbols and an understanding of how they relate to the element’s properties are essential for decoding messages or puzzles involving chemical clues.

Periodic Trends and Metallic Character

This concept involves understanding how properties such as metallic character change across the periodic table. As elements vary by groups and periods, characteristics like ionization energy and metallicity help predict an element’s behavior, especially for identifying elements based on their visible or inferred physical properties.

Semiconducting Properties in Elements

Certain elements, especially metalloids, exhibit semiconductor behavior, meaning they have conductivity properties between those of conductors and insulators. Recognizing which elements share these properties can be useful when clues point to semiconductor-like behavior, paralleling characteristics found in materials like selenium.

Allotropy and Different Elemental Forms

Allotropy refers to the ability of an element to exist in more than one physical form, such as varying crystal structures. Knowledge of allotropy is important when identifying elements whose physical properties, like hardness or molecular arrangement, change depending on their structural form.

Diatomic Molecules and Gaseous States

Some elements form diatomic molecules naturally when in their gaseous state, which affects their chemical and physical behavior. Recognizing this tendency is important in clues that refer to a gas composed of two identical atoms, helping to narrow down the possible elements.

Elemental Abundance and Biological Impact

Understanding which elements are abundant in the earth's crust or play significant roles in biological systems is crucial. This concept also extends to recognizing how certain elements can impact health, such as providing protective benefits against diseases, which can be relevant in clues referencing dietary or biological roles.

Noble Gases and Their Unusual Compounds

Noble gases are typically characterized by their inertness due to having complete valence electron shells. However, under certain conditions, they can form compounds with highly electronegative elements like fluorine, making them interesting subjects for clues that involve unexpected reactivity despite their general stability.

Inert Components in Air and Their Industrial Roles

This concept highlights elements that are chemically inert in the atmosphere but are vital in industrial applications, such as fertilizers and explosives. Recognizing the dual role of such elements—being both unreactive and critically useful—can be key when clues reference their presence in everyday industrial processes.

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Transcript

00:04 So you can tell the writers had fun with this question, which is great.

00:08 But there's not a lot of solving that happens here.

00:11 It's just a lot of facts and knowing about the different elements.

00:15 So the first one asks about the symbol for the halogen whose hydride has the second highest boiling point when we're considering all the hydrogen halides.

00:28 And so this one, it's actually iodine.

00:31 So our first clue will be an i.

00:37 Two, it asks about which hydrogen halide is a weak acid in solution.

00:44 And interestingly, this is hf.

00:47 So the halogen would just be f.

00:51 And that's because fluorine is so electronegative, it has a hard time letting go of that hydrogen.

00:57 Three, the symbol of the element whose existence on the sun was known before it was discovered on earth.

01:06 Okay.

01:07 And this one is actually helium.

01:12 So, you know, on the sun is mostly hydrogen and helium.

01:16 And on earth, helium is a little less abundant because of how light it is and because it can escape earth's atmosphere and gravitational pull.

01:27 And so it will eventually all leave earth.

01:31 Just a fun little fact.

01:33 Number four asks us, the group 5a element in table 19 -13 that should have the most metallic character.

01:45 So let's go to table 19 -13.

01:51 Okay, so we know that metals tend to form charged species and especially positively charged species losing an electron.

02:03 They do not share electrons, so it's going to completely give it up.

02:08 And the larger an atom is, the less hold it has on its electrons.

02:15 So let's see, the lowest electronegativity and the highest, largest size.

02:22 So the answer is bismuth here.

02:26 The next question says, symbol of the group 6a element that like selenium is a semiconductor.

02:37 Okay? answer to this one is tellurium, which also behaves rather semiconductor -like.

02:48 The next question number six asks, the symbol for the element known in rhombic and monoclinic forms.

03:00 Oh, this is sulfur.

03:05 Yeah, sulfur has s8, especially.

03:10 It has a flat and it also has a crown -like structure.

03:13 Sulfur has a lot of different allotropes.

03:15 But that's that one.

03:18 Next, number seven, symbol for the element that exists as diatomic molecules in a yellow -green gas when not combined with other elements.

03:30 Okay, so we know our diatomic gases.

03:34 Maybe you've learned horses need oats for clear brown eyes.

03:37 Hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and then iodine.

03:46 So those ones exist as diatomic molecules.

03:49 And chlorine is going to be a diatomic gas.

03:55 And it does have a yellow -greenish sort of color when it's a look.

03:59 Number eight, the symbol for the most abundant element in and near the earth's crust.

04:12 So i'm thinking this is oxygen.

04:18 Oh, and i can actually double check that, i bet.

04:25 Oxygen, yes.

04:26 Percentage by weight.

04:27 Was that asked? yes, okay, sure.

04:32 The symbol for the element gives off protection against cancer when a diet rich in this element is consumed...

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