Chapter 2, Problem 2.73QP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The metal has to be identified from the elements $\text{Na,}\text{Ni,}\text{Al,}\text{P,}\text{Cl,}\text{and}\text{Ar}\text{.}$

Concept Introduction:

A metal is a substance when the atoms tends to lose electrons during chemical change and gets nearest noble gas electronic configuration.  Metals during chemical change lose their electrons and forms positive ions.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The representative metal has to be identified from the elements $\text{Na,}\text{Ni,}\text{Al,}\text{P,}\text{Cl,}\text{and}\text{Ar}\text{.}$

Concept Introduction:

Representative elements are the ones that are located in right of periodic table.  They have partially filled s subshell or p subshell in their electronic configurations.  Some of the elements are nonmetals while others are metals.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The inert or noble gases has to be identified from the elements $\text{Na,}\text{Ni,}\text{Al,}\text{P,}\text{Cl,}\text{and}\text{Ar}\text{.}$

Concept Introduction:

Nobel-gas elements are the ones that are located in far right of periodic table.  The physical state of these elements at room temperature is gas.  It has more stable electronic configurations.