Chapter 5.3, Problem 28PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Using the electron dot structure, the element needs to be identified.

Concept introduction: Electron dot structure for an atom is the structure which denotes the valence electrons around the elements.

Answer to Problem 28PP

The element is Beryllium $\left(\text{Be}\right)$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given electron dot structure of the element which is solid at room temperature is as follows:

Explanations: As it can be seen that the figure represents an electron dot structure and it has only two dots that means the element $X$ has only two valence electrons.

From given options of elements:

Carbon and Germanium have $4$ valence electrons, Sulfur has $6$ valence electrons, Cesium has $1$ valence electron, Argon has $8$ valence electrons and Beryllium has $2$ valence electrons.

Therefore,

The element $X$ is Beryllium $\left(\text{Be}\right)$ .

Conclusion

The element is Beryllium $\left(\text{Be}\right)$ .