Chem 19.3 Group 3A Elements Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium are the ________ of the p-block elements and have the valence electron configuration on ns2 np1.

first

Which 3A element is a semimetal rather than a metal like the rest of the other elements?

boron

Out of the 3A group, which element is the most important for its uses?

aluminum

Which 3A element is known for its unusually low melting point and unusually large liquid range?

gallium Signup and view all the answers

Gallium's most important use is in making _________, a semiconductor material employed in the manufacture of diode lasers for laser printers, compact disc players, and fiber optic communication devices.

gallium arsenide (GaAs) Signup and view all the answers

, a 3A element, is used in making semiconductor devices, such as transistors and an electrical resistance thermometer called ___.

Indium; thermistors Signup and view all the answers

__________, a 3A element, is extremely toxic and has no commercial uses.

Thallium Signup and view all the answers

The metallic character of elements increases as you go _______ the 3A group.

down Signup and view all the answers

Boron has a much atomic radius and a electronegativity than the other elements; therefore, it shares its valence electrons in covalent bonds rather than transferring them to another element, exhibiting some nonmetallic properties.

smaller; higher Signup and view all the answers

Group 3A elements all have an oxidation state of +3, but which element also finds stability in the oxidation state of +1?

thallium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group 3A Elements Overview

The group 3A elements include boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium.
These elements have a valence electron configuration of ns2 np1.

Boron

Boron is classified as a semimetal, distinguishing it from the predominantly metallic nature of the other group 3A elements.
Exhibits nonmetallic properties due to its smaller atomic radius and higher electronegativity compared to other group members.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most significant element in group 3A, widely utilized in aircraft, electrical transmission lines, cooking utensils, and soda cans.

Gallium

Gallium possesses a notably low melting point and a large liquid range.
It is primarily used to produce gallium arsenide (GaAs), a critical semiconductor material for electronics, including diode lasers for laser printers and fiber optic communication devices.

Indium

Indium is employed in semiconductor devices, such as transistors.
It is also used to make thermistors, which are electrical resistance thermometers.

Thallium

Thallium is extremely toxic and currently has no commercial applications.
Exhibits both +3 and +1 oxidation states, with the +1 state being stable.

Metallic Character

The metallic character of group 3A elements increases as you move down the group.

Description

Test your knowledge of the Group 3A elements with these flashcards. Covering key concepts such as valence configurations and unique properties of boron and aluminum, this quiz is perfect for chemistry students. Enhance your understanding of p-block elements through this interactive exercise.