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Author: Subject: Why are the words pnictogen and chalcogen rarely used?
fusso
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[*] posted on 21-10-2018 at 15:31
Why are the words pnictogen and chalcogen rarely used?

Why are the words pnictogen and chalcogen rarely used to refer to group 15 & 16 elements, while halogen is used frequently to refer to group 17?



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CobaltChloride
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[*] posted on 21-10-2018 at 16:27


I'd guess that a major reason is that the chemical properties of the halogens are very similar, while the properties of the pnictogens and chalcogens aren't so similar, so having an umbrella term for very similar elements is much more useful.
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 Sciencemadness Discussion Board » Fundamentals » Chemistry in General » Why are the words pnictogen and chalcogen rarely used?   Go To Top