The Element Arsenic

What is Arsenic? Element Properties & Periodic Table Info


Definition of the Arsenic Element
A highly poisonous metallic element having three allotropic forms, yellow, black, and gray, of which the brittle, crystalline gray is the most common. Arsenic and its compounds are used in insecticides, weed killers, poisons, solid-state doping agents, and various metallic alloys.

Despite its reputation as a deadly poison, arsenic is an essential trace element for some animals although the necessary intake may be as low as 0.01 mg/day. The Atomic Number of this element is 33 and the Element Symbol is As.

Origin / Meaning of the name Arsenic
The name originates from Greek word arsenikos.

 

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Arsenic Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Arsenic is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element classified as one of the Metalloids has the properties of both metals and Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical charge making them useful in calculators and computers.

The Discovery of Arsenic
Arsenic was isolated by Albertus Magnus inn 1250. Johann Schröder published two ways of preparing elemental arsenic in 1649.

Facts about the History of the Discovery of Arsenic Element
Was discovered in Ancient times and used by the ancient Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese.

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Arsenic Element
Arsenopyrite also called mispickel

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 23%
% in Sun 23%
% in Meteorites N/A
% in Earth's Crust 5.5×10-7%
% in Oceans 7.2×10-10%
% in Humans N/A

Medical Uses of Arsenic - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Arsenic, Health and Treatments. Arsenic has been used for centuries as a therapeutic agent and continues to have limited use in some trypanocidal drugs such as melarsoprol and tryparsamide. Arsenic compounds have been widely used in veterinary medicine, but many have been replaced by antibiotics, which are less toxic and just as effective. Arsenic is still used in homeopathy. It is used to treat some infectious diseases, especially those caused by protozoa. Some skin disorders are still treated with arsenic compounds. Since arsenic is highly toxic it must be administered with caution.

Arsenic Poisoning Symptoms
Arsenic is can poison by inhalation or ingestion. Acute arsenic poisoning may result in shock and death. Arsenic poisoning symptoms include skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscular cramps, and swelling of the eyelids, feet, and hands. The symptoms of chronic Arsenic Poisoning, due to ingestion of small amounts of arsenic over long periods, is marked by skin pigmentation accompanied by scaling, headache and confusion.

Associated Uses of Arsenic
Insecticides
Poison
Weed killers
Various alloys
Medical Treatments
Semi-conductors

As

The Properties of the Arsenic Element
Symbol of Element : As
Atomic Number: 33
Atomic Mass: 74.9216 amu
Melting Point:  817.0 °C - 1090.15 °K
Boiling Point: 613.0 °C - 886.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons: 33
Number of Neutrons: 42
Crystal Structure: Rhombohedral
Density @ 293 K: 5.72 g/cm3
Color :
yellow, black, and gray

The Properties of the Arsenic Element
Name of Element : Arsenic
Symbol of Element : As
Atomic Number of Arsenic : 33
Atomic Mass: 74.9216 amu
Melting Point:  817.0 °C - 1090.15 °K
Boiling Point: 613.0 °C - 886.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Arsenic : 33
Number of Neutrons in Arsenic : 42
Crystal Structure: Rhombohedral
Density @ 293 K: 5.72 g/cm3
Color of Arsenic :
yellow, black, and gray

Arsenic as on the Periodic Table
Check out Arsenic on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Arsenic as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Metalloids
The other elements contained in the classification of Metalloids are as follows:

  • Boron
  • Silicon
  • Germanium
  • Antimony
  • Tellurium
  • Polonium

What is Arsenic - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Arsenic is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Arsenic with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Arsenic and each additional element - group, classification, properties and atomic number.

What is the Element Arsenic

The Elements are the building blocks of Modern Science & Chemistry


 

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