Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions: Matter Starts Here - Problems - Page 68: 5

a. yellow box b. red box c. blue box

To answer the questions in this problem, we want to take a look at the front cover of our book at the periodic table there. a. The yellow box corresponds to the element chlorine, atomic number 17. It is located in group 7A or 17 on the periodic table called the halogens. The halogens lie on the nonmetal side of the periodic table and are very reactive. b. The red box corresponds to the element neon, atomic number 10. It is located in group 8A or 18 on the periodic table called the noble gases. The noble gases lie on the nonmetal side of the periodic table and are known as being unreactive elements. c. The blue box corresponds to the element sodium, atomic number 11. It is located in group 1A or 1 on the periodic table called the alkali metals. These elements lie on the metal side of the periodic table and are known as being very reactive metals.