Question

Identify the elements \(x\) and \(z\) in the following representation. (Sb = antimony)

• A. Ge, Po
• B. Sn, Ga
• C. Ga, Bi
• D. Si, Te

Hint:

In the periodic table: \[ \text{Horizontal movement} \rightarrow \text{change in group} \] \[ \text{Vertical movement} \rightarrow \text{change in period} \] Use the group and period positions carefully to identify neighboring elements.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Locate antimony (Sb) in the periodic table.
Antimony (Sb) has atomic number 51. It is placed in Group 15 (VA) and Period 5 of the periodic table. It is a metalloid belonging to the nitrogen family.
Step 2: Understand the diagonal relationship asked.
The question involves finding elements $x$ and $z$ placed diagonally with respect to Sb. The element $x$ is one period above and one group to the left of Sb, while $z$ is one period below and one group to the right of Sb.
Step 3: Find element x.
Moving one period above Period 5 gives Period 4. Moving one group to the left of Group 15 gives Group 14. The element at Group 14, Period 4 is Germanium (Ge), with atomic number 32. So $x = \text{Ge}$.
Step 4: Find element z.
Moving one period below Period 5 gives Period 6. Moving one group to the right of Group 15 gives Group 16. The element at Group 16, Period 6 is Polonium (Po), with atomic number 84. So $z = \text{Po}$.
Step 5: Verify by checking the options.
Option (1) gives $x = \text{Ge}$ and $z = \text{Po}$, which matches our findings. The other options either swap Ge and Po or introduce unrelated elements like Sn, Ga, Bi, or Te.
Step 6: State the final answer.
The elements are $x = \text{Germanium (Ge)}$ and $z = \text{Polonium (Po)}$. \[ \boxed{x = \text{Ge},\ z = \text{Po}} \]