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Example 2.7: Naming Groups of Elements

Atoms of each of the following elements are essential for life. Give the group name for the following elements:
(a) chlorine
(b) calcium
(c) sodium
(d) sulfur

Solution

The family names are as follows (look on the periodic table to see which group - column - they are in; groups 1, 2, 16, 17 and 18 have common group names):
(a) chlorine: halogen
(b) calcium: alkaline earth metal
(c) sodium: alkali metal
(d) sulfur: chalcogen