What are two elements that would have properties similar to oxygen?

1 Answer
Sep 30, 2016


Other elements in the same group would have properties similar to oxygen.


Oxygen is in group 16/VIA, which is called the chalcogens, and members of the same group have similar properties. Sulfur and selenium are the next two elements in the group, and they react with hydrogen gas #("H"_2")# in a manner similar to oxygen.

For example, when reacting with hydrogen gas, these elements form a polar bent molecule containing two atoms of hydrogen, and one atom of the chalcogen (O, S, Se).

Water: #"H"_2"O"#

Hydrogen sulfide: #"H"_2"S"#

Hydrogen selenide: #"H"_2"Se"#