In chemistry and atomic physics, main group elements are elements in groups, (periodic columns) whose lightest members are represented by hydrogen, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, and helium as arranged in the periodic table of the elements. Main group elements include elements in groups 1A- 2A and 13 (3A) - 18 (8A) (also known as S and P block elements). Group 12 elements are usually considered to be transition metals, however zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) share some properties of both groups, and some people believe they should be included as main group elements.[1]
Main group elements (with some of the lighter transition metals) are the most abundant elements on the earth, in the solar system, and in the universe. They are sometimes called the representative elements.
References
- ^ Jensen, William B. (2003). "The Place of Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury in the Periodic Table". Journal of Chemical Education 80 (8): 952–561. http://www.uv.es/~borrasj/ingenieria_web/temas/tema_1/lecturas_comp/p952.pdf.
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