6
Describing Elements
Warm-Up
Which statements accurately describe elements? Check all that apply
Elements are made up of two or more types of atoms,
Elements are made up of only one type of atom
Each element has a unique chemical symbol
Elements can be identified by their atomic number
One element cannot be combined with another element.

the term hydride is commonly named after binary compounds that hydrogen forms with other elements of the periodic table. hydride compounds in general form with almost any element, except a few noble gases. the trends and properties vary according to the type of intermolecular force that bonds the elements together, the temperature, its molecular masses, and other components. hydrides are classified into three major groups, depending on what elements the hydrogen bonds to. the three major groups are covalent, ionic, and metallic hydrides. formally, hydride is known as the negative ion of a hydrogen, h-, also called a hydride ion. because of this negative charge, hydrides have reducing, or basic properties. its special characteristics will be further discussed.

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