Why are the group 16 element called chalcogens ?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Chalcogens**: The term "chalcogen" is derived from the Greek words "chalcos" meaning "copper" and "genes" meaning "born of" or "producing". This indicates that these elements are associated with the formation of ores, particularly copper ores.

2. **Group 16 Elements**: The elements in Group 16 of the periodic table include Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), Selenium (Se), Tellurium (Te), and Polonium (Po). These elements share similar chemical properties.

3. **Historical Context**: Historically, the term "chalcogen" was used to refer to the elements that are found in ores and are often involved in the formation of metal ores. This is particularly true for sulfur, which is commonly found in sulfide ores.

...