Question

Which of the following elements would you expect to have similar properties?

a. In and Sn
b. F and Ne
c. K and La
d. Si and Ge

Answer 1

Si and Ge from option (d) are expected to have similar properties because they are both group 14 elements with the same number of valence electrons, leading to similar chemical behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options given, d. Si and Ge are the elements that are expected to have similar properties. This is because both Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge) are found within the same group on the periodic table, which is group 14, also known as the carbon group. Elements in the same group share the same number of valence electrons, which largely determines their chemical behavior. Silicon and Germanium have a similar electronic structure, which leads to similarities in properties such as chemical reactivity and bonding characteristics. In contrast, although Indium (In) and Tin (Sn) are in the same group as well, the properties of elements also vary down a group, so elements from different periods like In and Sn might not be as similar as Si and Ge from adjacent periods.