Question

A Mars rover has collected and analyzed several samples from the surface and atmosphere of Mars. NASA is looking for help in identifying two remaining elements from the samples, which belong to either Group 2 or Group 18. Group 2 elements are highly reactive, while Group 18 elements are unreactive. Group 2 elements are solid at room temperature, and Group 18 elements are gases at room temperature. Provide a claim, evidence, and reasoning for identifying unknown Element J and unknown Element Q.

Answer 1

Element J is likely a Group 2 alkaline earth metal due to its reactivity and solid state, while Element Q is likely a Group 18 noble gas due to its inertness and gaseous state.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify unknown Element J and unknown Element Q from the Mars rover samples that are said to belong to either Group 2 or Group 18, we will start by considering the general properties of these groups on the periodic table. For Element J, if it is a solid at room temperature and highly reactive, we can claim it belongs to Group 2, the alkaline earth metals, since these are solid and reactive due to the need to remove two electrons for reactions. For Element Q, if it is unreactive and exists as a gas at room temperature, we can claim that it belongs to Group 18, the noble gases, as they have full outer shells making them chemically inert and existing as monatomic gases at room temperature.

In summary, Element J seems to be a Group 2 alkaline earth metal based on its reactivity and solid state. Element Q, by contrast, aligns with the properties of a Group 18 noble gas due to its inertness and gaseous state. Both deductions are anchored in periodic trends that correlate an element's group affiliation with its reactivity and physical state at room temperature.