Point-wise summary for each element in the sixteenth group of the periodic table, also known as Group 16 or the chalcogens:
Oxygen (O) - Atomic Number: 8
- A diatomic nonmetal gas essential for respiration in most organisms.
- Present in Earth's atmosphere and a key component of water (H2O).
- Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- Oxygen is used in various industrial processes, including steel production.
- Oxygen compounds are found in minerals, soils, and biological molecules.
Sulfur (S) - Atomic Number: 16
- A nonmetal with distinctive yellow color and strong odor.
- Found in various minerals, including gypsum and pyrite.
- Sulfur compounds are used in the production of sulfuric acid, a widely used industrial chemical.
- Used in the vulcanization of rubber and in the production of fertilizers.
- Elemental sulfur has applications in insecticides and fungicides.
Selenium (Se) - Atomic Number: 34
- A metalloid with photovoltaic and semiconducting properties.
- Essential trace element for humans and animals, but toxic in higher amounts.
- Selenium compounds are used in glassmaking, pigments, and electronics.
- Used in photovoltaic cells and certain types of photocopiers.
- Selenium is also used in dietary supplements for its potential health benefits.
Tellurium (Te) - Atomic Number: 52
- A metalloid with a silvery-white appearance.
- Used in the production of solar cells and semiconductors.
- Tellurium compounds are used in some types of glass, ceramics, and pigments.
- Used in various technological applications, including rewritable CDs and DVDs.
Polonium (Po) - Atomic Number: 84
- A highly radioactive element, discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie.
- Extremely rare and can be produced in particle accelerators.
- Has limited practical applications due to its high radioactivity.
- Polonium-210 is known for its role in the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko.
The elements in the sixteenth group have varying properties, from nonmetals like oxygen and sulfur to metalloids like selenium and tellurium, and a radioactive element like polonium. These elements have diverse applications in technology, industry, and health, and they play important roles in various chemical reactions and biological processes.
