Group 16 Elements (Chalcogens) - Introduction

Oxygen, sulphur, selenium, tellurium and polonium constitute the group 16 of the periodic table of elements. The first four elements are collectively called CHALCOGENS. The name derives from the Greek word for bronze and points to the association of sulphur and its congeners with copper. All these are non-metallic in character. The metallic character increases down the group. The last element of the family, polonium has metallic character and is a radioactive element with a very short life period. Polonium derives its name from Poland, the home country of Marie Curie who discovered the element in 1898.