Group 4 in the periodic table consists of elements such as carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead. These elements are known for having four valence electrons, which allows them to form various types of bonds, including covalent and metallic bonds. They play essential roles in organic chemistry and materials science.
The properties of Group 4 elements vary significantly. For instance, carbon is a nonmetal that is crucial for life, while tin and lead are metals used in alloys and batteries. Silicon is widely used in electronics, particularly in semiconductors, due to its ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions.