Question

Fill in the blanks.
The symbol of Sb stands for __________

Answer 1

Hint: This is a p-block element of the modern periodic table. It is a metalloid (also known as a semimetal), with atomic number 51. This metalloid is derived from a sulfide mineral. In Arabic, it is also known as Kohl.

Complete step by step answer:
The symbol Sb stands for Stibium. Stibium is the latin name for the element antimony. It is found in earth's crust in quantities around 0.2 to 0.5 parts per million. It is found in more than 100 minerals. However, it is most widely extracted from a sulphide mineral, stibnite \[S{{b}_{2}}{{S}_{3}}\]. It is a lustrous gray metalloid, or a semimetal. The Greek name for antimony is ‘antimonium’.
Antimony is a p-block element, which is placed in period 5 and group 15. Its atomic weight is 51. Its electronic configuration is - \[[Kr]4{{d}^{10}}5{{s}^{2}}5{{p}^{3}}\].
As we can see Antimony has 3 electrons in its outermost p orbital and 2 electrons in its 5s orbital. It therefore, has two oxidation states, +3 and +5. However, +5 is its more stable oxidation state.
Therefore, the answer is – The symbol of Sb stands for Stibium

Additional Information:
Antimony is separated from the crude antimony sulfide (mineral) by reduction with scrap iron. Lower grade antimony ores are concentrated by froth flotation. Whereas, higher-grade ores are extracted by heating.

Note: It is widely used in microelectronics. It also finds applications in lead-acid batteries, electric cable, soldiers, bullets and plain bearings, etc. Not only this, antimony is also used in drugs as anti-protozoan drugs and ruminants.