Question

The table below lists the properties of a metallic element.

A table with 1 column titled property with entries shiny, silver colored, forms +1 and +2 ions, compound with sulfur is bright red.

Where on the periodic table would this element most likely be found?

Group 1
Group 3
Group 12

Answer 1

Group 12.

Reason: Mercury (a Group 12 metal) is shiny and silvery, forms both +1 (Hg2(2+), mercurous) and +2 (Hg2+) ions, and its sulfide HgS (cinnabar) is bright red. Group 1 metals are only +1 and Group 3 metals are typically +3.