Group+16+Oxygen+Group

Group 16 - The Oxygen Group
The periodic table is set up in a format where the columns, or groups, identify similar characteristics of the elements that reside in the column. There are some groups that have specific names, such as group 16, which is known as the chalcogens. Even though this is the proper name, these specific groups can also be identified as the first element in that group - so the chalcogen group is also the Oxygen group.

The Oxygen group is a very essential group of the periodic table, because without most of the elements mankind would not do well in the world. The primary members of the group are Oxygen and Sulfur. Both of these elements are necessary for everyday life. The heavier members of the group are at the bottom, which include Telerium and Polonium. The relationship among the first three members of the group was recognized before 1829; tellurium was assigned its place by 1865, and the discovery of polonium in 1898 completed the group.

This picture shows the location of group 16; the Oxygen group.

The elements that are in the oxygen group are very essential to life. Each element is useful to our health. Oxygen is a key part to everyday life, as it makes up 20% of the Earth's atmosphere, and is necessary for us to breathe. Ozone is another form of Oxygen that shields living organisms from harmful radiation of the sun.

Websites:

http://www.webelements.com/webelements/properties/text/definitions/group-number.html

www.britannica.com/eb/topic-436953/oxygen-group-element

http://www.tutorvista.com/content/chemistry/chemistry-i/oxygen-and-sulphur/oxygen-and-sulphurindex.php