Question

1. a chemist discovers a new element with 2 valence electrons. is the element likely to be ductile?

element with 2 valence electrons are likely in group 2. the elements in group 2 (the second column) form compounds consisting of one atom of the element and two atoms of hydrogen— these also have similar properties. therefore yes the element is likely to be ductile because it is in group 2 and group 2 are malleable and ductile.

1. is the chemist’s newly discovered element (x) likely to form xo or xo₂?

Explanation:

The element has 2 valence electrons, so it is in Group 2. Group 2 elements have a +2 oxidation state. Oxygen has a -2 oxidation state. To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance: 1 atom of X (+2) and 1 atom of O (-2) give XO (total charge: +2 -2 = 0). XO₂ would have a total charge of +2 + 2*(-2) = -2, which is not neutral.

Answer:

XO