Why is this element important in everyday life?
1. Used in alloys with lead.
2. Used to make gallium arsenide semi-conductors.
3. Used as an ingredient in most insecticides.
Where is this element found in nature?
Arsenic occurs naturally at low concentrations in a variety of sulfide ores. It frequently replaces some of the sulfur in the sulfides that are the principle ores of many of the heavy metals.
What are the properties of the element?
General Characteristics =
Arsenic is a solid, gray metallic metalloid at room temperature. Arsenic oxide (As2O3) is one of the most common compounds found.
Atomic Symbol =As
Period Number =4
Group Number and Family Name =Group 15 Nitrogen Family
Atomic Number = 33
Atomic Mass =74.92
Density =5.73
Melting Point =817 degrees C
Boiling Point =613 degrees C
Electron Configuration =As- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p3
Shorthand Notation =As-[Ar]4s2 3d10 4p3
Common Reactions =Arsenic is not very reactant when in contact with water or air but it is very poisonous to people.
Interesting Information =Arsenic also has a Yellow form. It is a soft nonmetallic metalloid.
Who is Arsenic ?
"All rise. The honorable Judge Nitrogen of group15 is presiding. Today's case involves the Periodic Table vs. Arsenic. The charges are poisoning of Period 4," guard Helium called.
"PT you may call your first witness," Judge N said.
"We call Zinc to the table."
"Place your atomic number on the Chemistry Book. Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you Mendeleev?" asked guard Helium.
"With atomic number of 30 on the book he replied, "I do."
"Where were you on October 23, 1869 ?" PT started questioning Zn.
Zn replied, "I was at Mr. Mole's party for the metals of Period 4."
"Did you see the defendant at the party?"
"Yes, he was there chemically acting as a metal."
"What happened the next day, after the party?"
"Well I felt sick, my throat and mouth burned and I had an awful pain in my abdominal area. So I went to the doctor."
"What did the Dr. tell you was wrong?"
"The Dr. told me that I had arsenic poisoning."
"Thank you. You may step down now Zn." The questioning of Period 4 went on for a while until the PT made its way to Arsenic.
"Call your next witness," the Judge said.
"We call Arsenic to the table."
"Place your atomic number on the Chemistry Book. Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you Mendeleev?" asked guard Helium.
"I do," replied As as he placed his atomic number of 33 on the book.
"Mr. Arsenic where were you on October 23, 1869 ?" PT started questioning.
" I was at Mr. Mole's party."
"But how ? Wasn't the party for metals and aren't you a metalloid?"
" Yes. I am a metalloid but chemically I act as a metal or even a nonmetal. So I was allowed to be at the party."
Evin if you were allowed, didn't you think about the health and safety of the other elements? I mean if you were going to be there didn't you realize they would breath your poisonous air in and become sick? Or were you to involved with yourself to care about the other elements."
"I admit. I went to the party because I want to be part of the Period instead of an outcast. I was the on who caused everyone to become sick. I admit to it all. I'm really sorry, I only wanted to fit in with the rest of the metals."
Well Judge Nitrogen you've heard his confession. He has confessed to poisoning Period 4, while he chemically acted as a metal. Don't be too hard on him. Although he was fully aware of what he was doing he just wanted to be part of the larger portion of the Periodic Table. This is to be expected of him, he is only a metalloid." PT concluded his speech.
The judge let Arsenic off with a warning but he made As. Promise not to let this incident happen again.
