Exploring Group 16: The Oxygen Family in Chemistry
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
The Group 16 of the periodic table, also known as the Oxygen Family, is one of the most important and diverse groups in the world of chemistry. This group holds an essential position in the periodic table as it includes not only the versatile element oxygen, but also other elements like sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium. In this article, we will explore the fascinating characteristics of the Oxygen Family and its significance in chemistry.
Understanding the Oxygen Family:
The Oxygen Family, as the name suggests, belongs to the sixteenth column of the periodic table. It is located in the p-block, which consists of elements that have their outermost electron orbital being filled with electrons. Group 16 elements have six electrons in their highest energy level, known as valence electrons. This characteristic makes them highly reactive, as they aim to achieve a stable configuration by either gaining, losing, or sharing electrons with other elements.
The Elements of the Oxygen Family:
The Oxygen Family consists of five elements, each with its own unique properties and applications. Let’s take a closer look at each of these elements.
1. Oxygen:
Oxygen, with the atomic number 8 and symbol O, is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, making up around 21% of the atmosphere. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas essential for the survival of most living organisms. Oxygen has six valence electrons, which means it needs two more electrons to complete its outermost electron shell. It forms various compounds with metals, non-metals, and other elements, making it a highly reactive element.
(Hindi: ऑक्सीजन हवा में २१% के आसपास मौजूद है और सबसे अधिक मात्रा में धारण किए गए अवयवों में से एक है। यह प्राकृतिक रूप से ऑक्सीजन ब्रह्माण्ड में पाया जाता है। यह अनिल अवयव के समान चलता है।)
2. Sulfur:
Sulfur, with the atomic number 16 and symbol S, is a bright yellow, brittle non-metallic element. It is found in various minerals like gypsum, pyrite, and Epsom salts. Sulfur has six valence electrons, and its outermost electron shell is incomplete. It forms compounds with many elements, including metals, non-metals, and hydrogen.
(Hindi: सल्फर पीले, तृणशील निष्क्रिय धातु के समान है। यह धातु में पाया जाता है। इसका आयसी १६ है।)
3. Selenium:
Selenium, with the atomic number 34 and symbol Se, is a grayish-white, brittle non-metallic element. It has six valence electrons, and its outermost electron shell is incomplete. It is mainly used in the production of alloys and photovoltaic cells. Selenium also has important medicinal applications, as it is used in the treatment of dandruff, fungal infections, and certain types of cancer.
(Hindi: सेलेनियम एक ग्रेशमध्य सफेद, तृणशील निष्क्रिय धातु है। यह चंद्रवट धातु में मिले अवयव होते हैं। इसका आयसी ३४ है।)
4. Tellurium:
Tellurium, with the atomic number 52 and symbol Te, is a silvery-white, brittle non-metallic element. It has six valence electrons, and its outermost electron shell is incomplete. Tellurium is used in the production of solar cells, alloys, and semiconductors. It also has medicinal applications, as it is used in the treatment of an enlarged prostate and certain types of cancer.
(Hindi: तेलुरियम एक नर्म सिल्वरी-सफ़ेद, तत्त्विक धातु है। यह लोहा, पागल और तेलुरियम पदार्थों का उत्पादन भी करता है। इसका आयसी ५२ है।)
5. Polonium:
Polonium, with the atomic number 84 and symbol Po, is a highly radioactive, silvery-gray, semi-metallic element. It has six valence electrons, and its outermost electron shell is incomplete. It is a rare element found in uranium ores and is mainly used in nuclear power plants. Polonium has limited industrial uses, but it has significant applications in research and as a heating source for space probes and satellites.
(Hindi: पोलीओनियम एक आंशिक तत्व है जो अत्यधिक विकीर्णित होता है। यह यौरेनियम में चंद्रधर्मी गुहाओं में पाया जाता है और परमाणु ऊर्जा संयंत्रों में उपयोग किया जाता है।)
Chemical Properties of the Oxygen Family:
The elements of the Oxygen Family have similar chemical properties due to their common valence electron configuration. They all tend to gain two electrons to complete their outermost shell, making them highly reactive. However, their reactivity decreases down the group as the atomic size increases, and the outer electron shell gets farther from the nucleus.
Moreover, the elements in the Oxygen Family can exhibit various oxidation states, i.e., the number of electrons they gain or lose in a chemical reaction. Oxygen mostly shows an oxidation state of -2, while the other elements in the family can display both positive and negative oxidation states, making them useful as both oxidizing and reducing agents.
Applications of the Oxygen Family Elements:
The elements of the Oxygen Family have diverse applications in various industries and fields. Some of the major applications of these elements are as follows:
- – Oxygen is essential for various industrial processes, such as steel production, wastewater treatment, and medical oxygen therapy.
- – Sulfur is used in the production of fertilizers and rubber. It also has medicinal applications in treating skin conditions and joint pain.
- – Selenium is used in the production of glass, pigments, and electronic components.
- – Tellurium is a vital component in solar cells and is also used in the production of thermoelectric materials.
- – Polonium, although highly radioactive, is used in research and also has limited industrial applications.
In conclusion, the Oxygen Family is a significant group of elements in the periodic table with diverse applications. These elements have revolutionized industries and continue to contribute to the development of new technologies and medicines. Understanding the properties and applications of the Oxygen Family is crucial in the world of chemistry, as it helps us explore new possibilities and discover the wonders of the elements.
