Periodic Table Guide
Arsenic (As) has atomic number 33 and is classified as a metalloid. It sits in Group 15, period 4 of the periodic table. Its practical relevance includes compound semiconductors, specialty alloys and limited industrial chemical applications under strict controls.
Quick facts
| Atomic number | 33 | Symbol | As |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative atomic mass | 74.9216 | State at room temperature | Solid |
| Group | 15 | Period | 4 |
| Classification | metalloid | Block | p-block |
Position in the periodic table
Metalloids sit near the boundary between metals and nonmetals. Their intermediate electrical and chemical behavior makes several of them especially important in semiconductors, glass, ceramics and electronic materials.
Arsenic belongs to period 4. Its position helps explain recurring trends such as atomic size, bonding behavior, oxidation states and the way it interacts with neighboring elements.
Why Arsenic matters
In engineering and technology, arsenic is associated with compound semiconductors, specialty alloys and limited industrial chemical applications under strict controls. The importance of the element may come from the pure element itself, from compounds containing it, or from its role as an alloying, electronic, catalytic or nuclear material.
Engineering and scientific context
Material behavior should never be inferred from the element name alone. Purity, isotope composition, crystal structure, processing history, temperature and the surrounding chemical environment can all change performance. In alloys and compounds, the contribution of arsenic depends on concentration and interaction with the other constituents.
Safety and handling
Arsenic and several of its compounds can present significant toxicological hazards. Exposure limits, waste controls and the exact chemical form must be considered before industrial use.
Related elements
Nitrogen (N) · Phosphorus (P) · Antimony (Sb) · Germanium (Ge)
Reference sources
For authoritative element data and current standard atomic-weight guidance, consult the Royal Society of Chemistry Periodic Table and the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Elements.
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