Which of the following elements is a member of Chalcogens ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 1, Se (Selenium), is the correct answer because it is a member of the chalcogen group in the periodic table. The chalcogens are the elements found in Group 16, which includes Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), Selenium (Se), Tellurium (Te), and Polonium (Po). These elements are known for their similar properties, such as forming compounds with hydrogen to create hydrides and with metals to form oxides and sulfides. Selenium, being part of this group, shares these characteristics and is thus classified as a chalcogen.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

2. Br (Bromine): Bromine is not a chalcogen; it belongs to the halogen group, which is Group 17 of the periodic table. Halogens are known for their high reactivity and their ability to form salts when combined with metals. Bromine, as a halogen, does not share the same group characteristics as the chalcogens.

3. As (Arsenic): Arsenic is part of Group 15, known as the pnictogens. This group includes elements like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Antimony (Sb). Pnictogens have different chemical properties compared to chalcogens, such as forming different types of compounds and having different oxidation states.

4. Ge (Germanium): Germanium is a member of Group 14, which is the carbon group. This group includes elements like Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), and Tin (Sn). The carbon group elements are known for their ability to form covalent bonds and their use in semiconductors, which is distinct from the properties of chalcogens.

In summary, Selenium (Se) is the only element among the given options that belongs to the chalcogen group, making Option 1 the correct answer.