QuestionWhy is hydrogen, a nonmetal, placed in the same group as the alkali metals?
Because it has eight valence
a electrons like all the other elements in group 1.
Because it has just one valence
b electron like all the other elements in group 1.
Because it has two valence
c electrons like all the other elements in group 1.
Because it has just one valence
d electron like all the other elements in group 2.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
What is this asking?
Why is hydrogen, which is a nonmetal, in the same group as the alkali metals?
Watch out!
Don't get tricked by similar-sounding answers!
We need to focus on the **number of valence electrons** and the **correct group**.
STEP 2
1. Valence Electrons of Hydrogen
2. Alkali Metal Group
3. Correct Answer
STEP 3
Hydrogen has an **atomic number** of .
This means it has **one proton** and **one electron**.
STEP 4
Since hydrogen only has one electron, that single electron is its **valence electron**.
So, hydrogen has **one valence electron**.
STEP 5
The **alkali metals** are in **Group 1** of the periodic table.
STEP 6
Elements in **Group 1** (except hydrogen) have **one valence electron**.
This is why they share similar chemical properties.
STEP 7
Hydrogen is placed in **Group 1** because it, like the alkali metals, has **one valence electron**.
STEP 8
Option (b) states that hydrogen has **one valence electron** and is in **Group 1**.
This matches our understanding!
STEP 9
Option (a) is incorrect because hydrogen does *not* have eight valence electrons.
Option (c) is incorrect because hydrogen does *not* have two valence electrons.
Option (d) is incorrect because it places hydrogen in **Group 2**, which is incorrect.
STEP 10
The correct answer is (b).
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