Use the periodic table to answer the question.

Question

An illustration shows the periodic table of elements. The elements in the periodic table are arranged in groups (columns numbered 1 through 18) and periods (rows numbered 1 through 7) such that the atomic number increases along a period from left to right. The elements are divided into the following categories: · Alkali metals · Alkaline earth metals · Transition metals · Post-transition metals · Lanthanides · Actinides · Metalloids · Nonmetals · Noble gases · Unknown The elements are also classified on the basis of their physical states as follows: · Solid · Liquid · Gas · Unknown The element sulfur is enlarged with the following properties. · Chemical symbol: S · Name: Sulfur · Atomic Number: 16 · Atomic mass: 32.06 · Common oxidation states: 6, 4, 2, negative 2 · Electronegativity: 2.58 · Ionization energies: 999.589 · Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p4

Based on properties of elements in the periodic table, which element is the best conductor of thermal energy?

(1 point)
Responses

argon (Ar)
argon ( A r )

polonium (Po)
polonium ( P o )

germanium (Ge)
germanium ( G e )

vanadium (V)

Answer 1

The best conductor of thermal energy among the elements listed is vanadium (V).

Vanadium is a transition metal, and transition metals are generally good conductors of heat and electricity due to their metallic bonding and structure. Polonium (Po) is a metalloid and less effective as a conductor than most transition metals. Germanium (Ge) is a semiconductor and has limited conductivity compared to metals. Argon (Ar) is a noble gas and does not conduct heat. Therefore, vanadium is the best choice among the options provided.