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ANALYZING DATA

Patterns in Melting Points of Metals

Metals can be characterized by the general properties they share, such as being
malleable, ductile, and conducting electricity. Despite these similarities, metals have a
fairly wide range of melting points.
The figure shows the melting points of a number of metals. The metals are shown in
their relative positions in the periodic table.

1. SEP Compare Data Of the metals shown in the figure, which has the highest
melting point? Which has the lowest?

2. CCC Patterns Use the figure to compare the melting points of the metals in
Groups 1 and 2. Describe the general pattern in the relationship between a
metal’s position in these two groups and its melting point.
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3. CCC Patterns As you descend a group in the periodic table, atomic radii
generally increase. Based on the pattern you observed in Question 2, how is the
melting point of a metal related to atomic radius?

4. Predict Use the patterns you identified to estimate the likely melting point for
potassium (K) in Group 1 and barium (Ba) in Group 2. Enter your estimate in the
figure. Explain your reasoning.

5. CCC Patterns Look at the melting points for the metals in the fourth and fifth
periods of the periodic table in the figure. Describe the general pattern in the
relationship between a metal’s position in the table and its melting point.

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6. CCC Patterns As you move across a period in the periodic table from left to
right, the number of electrons in the atoms’ shells increases. Based on the
pattern you observed in Question 5, do you see a trend relating the melting point
of a transition metal in Periods 4 and 5 to the number of electrons each atom
has? Explain.

7. Predict Considering the patterns you have identified, estimate the likely melting
points of cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), and cobalt (Co). Enter your estimates in
the figure.

Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.