Arsenic By: Deanna and Stacie Lo

About Arsenic The name of this element is Arsenic. The atomic number is 33. The atomic symbol is “As.”

History We really don’t know who discovered arsenic, but it was known to the ancients. It is believed that Albertus Magnus found arsenic in 1250 A.D. Arsenic came from the Greek word Arsenikas and the Latin word Arsenicum.

The Uses for Arsenic Arsenic is used in poisons and insecticides. They are used to conduct electricity. Arsenic is also used as semi-conductors.

Arsenic Uses Arsenopyrite, is the most common bearing arsenic mineral. Arsenopyrite is found in places with hot water that is circulating. For instance, below earth’s crust. Arsenopyrite can also be found in places where metamorphosis of rocks occurs.

Interesting Fact 1 Arsenic was used by the higher class people to murder others because it had a strong and fast effect. It was known as Poison of Kings and the King of Poisons.

Interesting Fact 2 When arsenic is heated it rapidly oxidizes to arsenous oxide, which smells like garlic.

Interesting Fact 3 In the Victorian era, arsenic was mixed with vinegar and chalk and eaten by women to improve the complexion of their faces, making their skin paler to show they did not work in the fields.

Arsenic

Electron Arrangement The electron configuration is (Ar) 3d 10 4s 2 4p 3 and the electrons per shell is 2, 8, 18, 5.

Sources Cited From Bentor, Yinon. Chemical Element.com- Arsenic. 24 Jan ml. ml Arsenic Wikipedia. 31 Jan Wikimedia Foundation.