What two elements are good replacements for Cadmium?

I would ask, what is the pure function of cadmium in this factory? What is its overall purpose? And then I’d look to the periodic table and fill in the blank with similar elements that are able to satisfy the functions for a while.

*I’m thinking zinc and mercury since they are closest to it are able to be used to function…

@whitetigress
It doesn’t say that.

Normally, it would be the elements directly above and below it on the periodic table, since they tend to react similarly (they have the same number of holes in their electron shell). Of course the answer really depends on its use in the factory. I can’t think of what is above and below cadmium, but I think that the answer will be that the element above it is better. The lower down the element is, it gets larger and fatter and may not be able to fit into the same compounds. Silicon, which is below carbon, cannot form all of the compounds that carbon can because it is too large of an atom.

EDIT: Above cadmium is zinc, below it mercury. I’d go with zinc. Also, both zinc and cadmium are solids at room temperature, while mercury is liquid.

We need to know what the cadmium is being used for…i.e.,, what other chemicals it’s being combined with and how, and the end product, in order to answer this question….

Look up the uses of cadmium (I know you can do it) and consider what else can be used in some of those applications. It’s not so difficult; I think you’re overthinking this.

@PhiNotPi has it. Look at the periodic table.

@HungryGuy
I don’t believe my teacher provided that information, but I’m not entirely sure. I don’t have access to the sheet right now, so when I do, I’ll update you guys on the exact directions.

I can’t imagine your teacher didn’t specify what that factory in your problem was using the cadmium for. That seems to be essential information. What a viable replacement might be would depend on what the cadmium was being used for. Google “industrial uses of cadmium” and “replacements for cadmium” or “cadmium alternatives” and the rest is up to you.

Actually, we could probably figure out what the cadmium is used for by using context clues. What are some examples of other problems on that sheet? What was today’s lesson about? I honestly doubt that your teacher would assign you something that you do not have the information to solve. This seems to be a case where you have to make an assumption, and your teacher seems to have assumed that everyone would make the correct assumption while working out the problem. This is an example of when a problem arises because someone did not make / is not willing to make an assumption that has no obvious basis. You should probably tell your teacher to clarify things on future assignments.

Ok, here is the EXACT question:
“A factory in town uses cadmium as part of it’s manufacturing process. Due to economic conditions, Cadmium is no longer available and you must find a replacement. Suggest two elements that would make good replacements.”

@NostalgicChills What have been learning in class lately? Depending on the answer, that could help a lot.

@PhiNotPi
Ionic, Covalent bonds, naming, valence electrons, Trends in atomic radius, trends in electronegativity, trends in ionization, the shielding effect, Lewis Dot Diagrams.

The hypothetical factory is probably using the cadmium in an electroplating process, yes? From what you’ve been studying?

I don’t think you have to make guesses as to what the factory is using it for. That seems overly in depth for a high school question. I think @PhiNotPi has it, and you could also say zinc is preferable because mercury is dangerous to work with.

Thank you all!