Group 14 (IVA)
| Atoms and Molecules - Periodic Table |
Group 14 of the periodic table is often referred to as the carbon group. It is located in column 14 of the periodic table and houses the elements carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, and ununquadium (C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, and Uuq, respectively). Each element in this group contains four valence electrons. A unique feature of this group is that the elements can form different anions and cations. Carbon forms a 4- anion whereas silicon and germanium form 4+ cations. Tin and lead can even form 2+ cations.
Concept Definition
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Basic
These elements are all found in column 14 of the periodic table.
Real World Application
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Carbon
Many molecules contain carbon. In fact, there is an entire field of chemistry that deals with carbon-containing compounds, known as organic chemistry. Pure carbon can manifest in multiple forms such as diamonds, graphite and graphene, and Bucky balls (fullerenes). When mixed with iron, steel is formed. An isotope of carbon, carbon-14, is used to date organic specimens. Carbon is also used in semiconductors and resistance heaters. Carbon is the fundamental element in all Earth-based life.
Silicon
Silicon is used in many common objects. Silicon is a major contributor to the make up of microchips and detergents. It is also found in sand and clay. Sand is then used to make glass. Silicon, like carbon, is an ingredient of steel.
Germanium
Germanium is a bit less useful than the two elements listed above. It is primarily used in transistors due to its semi-conductor properties. It is also often used as a catalyst to drive chemical reactions. Germanium is also used in wide-angle camera lenses.
Tin
Many people encounter tin every day. It is the main component of tin cans. Tin is used in alloys to form bronze, pewter, and type metal.
Lead
Lead used to be a fairly common metal. Due to the fact that it has been found to be toxic, it is used very scarcely. It is typically found in batteries and shotgun shells. Old pipe and cables may be made of lead, as well as old paint. The ancient Romans discovered that lead would preserve wine.
Vocabulary
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Important Vocabulary
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