Chapter 03 Classification Of Elements And Periodicity In Properties
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the isoelectronic species,
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(b) In case of isoelectronic species ionic radii
The ionic radii increases as the positive charge decreases or the negative charge increases.
Ion | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Atomic number | (12) | (11) | (9) | (8) |
-
Option (a)
:- This option is incorrect because it suggests that
has a smaller radius than , which is not true. has a larger radius than due to its higher negative charge, which results in greater electron-electron repulsion and thus a larger ionic radius.
- This option is incorrect because it suggests that
-
Option (c)
:- This option is incorrect because it suggests that
has a smaller radius than , which is not true. has a larger radius than due to its higher negative charge, which results in greater electron-electron repulsion and thus a larger ionic radius. - Additionally, it places
before , which is incorrect. has a smaller radius than due to its higher positive charge, which results in a stronger attraction between the nucleus and the electrons, leading to a smaller ionic radius.
- This option is incorrect because it suggests that
-
Option (d)
:- This option is incorrect because it suggests that
has a smaller radius than , which is not true. has a larger radius than due to its higher negative charge, which results in greater electron-electron repulsion and thus a larger ionic radius. - Additionally, it places
after , which is incorrect. has a smaller radius than due to its higher positive charge, which results in a stronger attraction between the nucleus and the electrons, leading to a smaller ionic radius.
- This option is incorrect because it suggests that
2. Which of the following is not an actinoid?
(a)
(b) Californium
(c) Uranium
(d) Terbium
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Answer
(d) Elements with atomic number,
- Curium
is an actinoid because it falls within the atomic number range of 90 to 103. - Californium
is an actinoid because it falls within the atomic number range of 90 to 103. - Uranium
is an actinoid because it falls within the atomic number range of 90 to 103.
3. The order of screening effect of electrons of
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Thinking Process
To solve this question, keep in mind that shielding effect represent the repulsive force felt by the valence shell from the electrons presents in the inner shells.
Answer
(a) For the same shell screening effect decreases in the order
-
Option (b)
: This option is incorrect because the screening effect of electrons decreases with increasing azimuthal quantum number (l). The correct order is , not . -
Option (c)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that the screening effect of orbitals is less than and orbitals, which is not true. The correct order is . -
Option (d)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that orbitals have the highest screening effect, which is not true. The correct order is .
4. The first ionisation enthalpies of
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) Follow the following steps to solve out such problems
Steps | Method | Apply |
---|---|---|
Step I | Write the electronic configuration to find position in the periodic table |
|
Step II | Arrange them in the order as they are in the periodic table |
11 12 13 14 |
Step III | Follow the general trend and also keep in mind the exception |
The IP increases along a period from left to right but IP of due to completely filled 3 s orbital in |
Step IV | On the above basis find the order | The order of IP is option (a) is the correct. |
-
Option (b) is incorrect because it suggests that the ionisation enthalpy of sodium (Na) is greater than that of magnesium (Mg), which is not true. Sodium has a lower ionisation enthalpy than magnesium due to its position in the periodic table and its electronic configuration.
-
Option (c) is incorrect because it suggests a continuous increase in ionisation enthalpy from sodium (Na) to silicon (Si) without considering the exception. Magnesium (Mg) has a higher ionisation enthalpy than aluminum (Al) due to its completely filled 3s orbital, which makes it more stable and harder to ionize.
-
Option (d) is incorrect because it suggests that sodium (Na) has a higher ionisation enthalpy than magnesium (Mg), which is not the case. Sodium has a lower ionisation enthalpy than magnesium due to its electronic configuration and position in the periodic table.
5. The electronic configuration of gadolinium (Atomic number 64 ) is
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(c) The electronic configuration of
-
Option (a): The configuration
is incorrect because it does not follow the Aufbau principle and Hund’s rule. Gadolinium (Gd) has a more stable configuration with a half-filled subshell ( ) and one electron in the subshell. -
Option (b): The configuration
is incorrect because it places two electrons in the subshell and only one in the subshell. This does not align with the observed stability of having two electrons in the subshell and only one in the subshell for Gadolinium. -
Option (d): The configuration
is incorrect because it suggests an overfilled subshell and an excessively filled subshell, which is not consistent with the actual electron configuration of Gadolinium. The subshell should be half-filled ( ) for stability, and the subshell should have only one electron.
6. The statement that is not correct for periodic classification of elements is
(a) The properties of elements are periodic function of their atomic numbers
(b) Non-metallic elements are less in number than metallic elements
(c) For transition elements, the
(d) The first ionisation enthalpies of elements generally increase with increase in atomic number as we go along a period
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Answer
(c) In case of transition elements (or any elements), the order of filling of electrons in various orbital is
-
(a) The statement is correct because the properties of elements are indeed a periodic function of their atomic numbers, as established by the modern periodic law.
-
(b) The statement is correct because non-metallic elements are indeed fewer in number compared to metallic elements in the periodic table.
-
(d) The statement is correct because the first ionisation enthalpies of elements generally do increase with an increase in atomic number as we move across a period, due to the increasing nuclear charge which holds the electrons more tightly.
7. Among halogens, the correct order of amount of energy released in electron gain (electron gain enthalpy) is
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(c) As we move from
However, the electron gain enthalpy of
-
Option (a)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that fluorine has the most negative electron gain enthalpy, which is not true. Although fluorine is highly electronegative, its small size leads to significant electron-electron repulsion in its compact 2p orbital, making its electron gain enthalpy less negative than that of chlorine. -
Option (b)
: This option is incorrect because it implies a continuous increase in electron gain enthalpy from fluorine to iodine. In reality, chlorine has the most negative electron gain enthalpy among the halogens, not fluorine, due to the reasons mentioned above. -
Option (d)
: This option is incorrect for the same reason as option (b). It suggests a continuous increase in electron gain enthalpy from fluorine to iodine, which is not accurate. Chlorine has a more negative electron gain enthalpy than fluorine, and the trend does not follow a simple increasing pattern.
8. The period number in the long form of the periodic table is equal to
(a) magnetic quantum number of any element of the period
(b) atomic number of any element of the period
(c) maximum principal quantum number of any element of the period
(d) maximum azimuthal quantum number of any element of the period
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Answer
(c) Since each period starts with the filling of electrons in a new principal quantum number, therefore, the period number in the long form of the periodic table refers to the maximum principal quantum number of any element in the period.
Period number
-
(a) The magnetic quantum number (m) of an element refers to the orientation of the orbital in space and can have values ranging from -l to +l (where l is the azimuthal quantum number). It does not determine the period number in the periodic table.
-
(b) The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. While elements in a period have consecutive atomic numbers, the period number itself is not equal to the atomic number of any element in that period.
-
(d) The azimuthal quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital and can have values ranging from 0 to (n-1) for a given principal quantum number (n). The maximum azimuthal quantum number of any element in a period does not determine the period number.
9. The elements in which electrons are progressively filled in
(a) actinoids
(b) transition elements
(c) lanthanoids
(d) halogens
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Answer
(c) The elements in which electrons are progressively filled in 4f-orbital are called lanthanoids. Lanthanoids consist of elements from
-
(a) actinoids: Actinoids are elements in which electrons are progressively filled in the 5f-orbital, not the 4f-orbital. They consist of elements from
(actinium) to 103 (lawrencium). -
(b) transition elements: Transition elements are those in which electrons are progressively filled in the d-orbital, specifically the 3d, 4d, 5d, and 6d orbitals. They are not associated with the filling of the 4f-orbital.
-
(d) halogens: Halogens are elements in Group 17 of the periodic table and are characterized by having seven electrons in their outermost p-orbital. They do not involve the filling of the 4f-orbital.
10. Which of the following is the correct order of size of the given species
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(d) Anion formed after the gain of electron to the neutral atom and cation formed after the lose of electron from outer shell. Hence, cation has smaller size but anion has bigger size than its neutral atom. Thus,
-
Option (a)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that the neutral iodine atom ( ) is larger than the iodide anion ( ), which is not true. The iodide anion ( ) is larger than the neutral iodine atom due to the addition of an extra electron, which increases electron-electron repulsion and expands the electron cloud. -
Option (b)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that the iodine cation ( ) is larger than both the iodide anion ( ) and the neutral iodine atom ( ). In reality, the iodine cation ( ) is the smallest because it has lost an electron, reducing electron-electron repulsion and resulting in a smaller size. -
Option (c)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that the neutral iodine atom ( ) is larger than the iodine cation ( ) but smaller than the iodide anion ( ). However, the correct order is that the iodide anion ( ) is the largest, followed by the neutral iodine atom ( ), and the iodine cation ( ) is the smallest.
11. The formation of oxide ion
Thus, process of formation of
(a) oxygen is more electronegative
(b) addition of electron in oxygen results in larger size of the ion
(c) electron repulsion outweighs the stability gained by achieving noble gas configuration
(d)
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Answer
(c) Although
Hence, the electron repulsion outweighs the stability gained by achieving noble gas configuration.
-
(a) Oxygen being more electronegative does not directly explain the unfavourability of forming
, as electronegativity refers to the tendency of an atom to attract electrons, not the energy changes involved in adding a second electron to an already negatively charged ion. -
(b) While the addition of an electron does result in a larger size of the ion, this does not directly explain the high endothermic energy change observed. The key issue is the electron-electron repulsion, not just the increase in size.
-
(d) The size comparison between
and the oxygen atom does not address the energy changes involved in adding a second electron. The main factor is the repulsion between the negatively charged ion and the incoming electron, not the relative sizes of the ions.
12. Comprehension given below is followed by some multiple choice questions. Each question has one correct option. Choose the correct option. In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic numbers which is related to the electronic configuration. Depending upon the type of orbitals receiving the last electron, the elements in the periodic table have been divided into four blocks, viz
The modern periodic table consists of 7 periods and 18 groups. Each period begins with the filling of a new energy shell. In accordance with the Aufbau principle, the seven periods ( 1 to 7 ) have
The seventh period is still incomplete. To avoid the periodic table being too long, the two series of
(i) The element with atomic number 57 belongs to
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(c) The element with atomic number 57 belongs to
After barium
Therefore, the 57 th electron prefers to enter
Thus, the outer electronic configuration of
-
(a)
- block: The element with atomic number 57 does not belong to the -block because the -block elements have their last electron entering an -orbital. For element 57, the last electron enters a -orbital, not an -orbital. -
(b)
- block: The element with atomic number 57 does not belong to the -block because the -block elements have their last electron entering a -orbital. For element 57, the last electron enters a -orbital, not a -orbital. -
(d)
- block: The element with atomic number 57 does not belong to the -block because the -block elements have their last electron entering an -orbital. Although element 57 is closely related to the -block elements (lanthanoids), its last electron enters a -orbital, not a -orbital.
(ii) The last element of the
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(c) Each period starts with the filling of electrons in a new principal energy shell. Therefore, 6 th period starts with the filling of
In between
-
Option (a): The configuration
corresponds to elements in the 7th period, not the 6th period. Therefore, it cannot represent the last element of the p-block in the 6th period. -
Option (b): The configuration
does not have any electrons in the 7p orbital, indicating it is not a p-block element. Additionally, it corresponds to an element in the 7th period, not the 6th period. -
Option (d): The configuration
has only four electrons in the 6p orbital, which means it is not the last element of the p-block in the 6th period. The last element should have a completely filled 6p orbital with six electrons.
(iii) Which of the elements whose atomic numbers are given below, cannot be accommodated in the present set up of the long form of the periodic table?
(a) 107
(b) 118
(c) 126
(d) 102
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Answer
(c) The long form of the periodic table contain element with atomic number 1 to 118.
-
(a) 107: This element can be accommodated in the long form of the periodic table as it falls within the range of atomic numbers 1 to 118.
-
(b) 118: This element can be accommodated in the long form of the periodic table as it is the highest atomic number currently included in the table.
-
(d) 102: This element can be accommodated in the long form of the periodic table as it falls within the range of atomic numbers 1 to 118.
(iv) The electronic configuration of the element which is just above the element with atomic number 43 in the same group is…….. .
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) The fifth period begins with
Now, the electronic configuration of element with
-
Option (b): The configuration
is incorrect because the 4s orbital can only hold a maximum of 2 electrons, not 3. -
Option (c): The configuration
is incorrect because it corresponds to the element with atomic number 26 (Fe), not 25. -
Option (d): The configuration
is incorrect because it corresponds to the element with atomic number 27 (Co), not 25.
(v) The elements with atomic numbers 35,53 and 85 are all
(a) noble gases
(b) halogens
(c) heavy metals
(d) light metals
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Answer
(b) Each period ends with a noble gas. The atomic number of noble gases (i.e., group 18 elements) are 2, 10, 18, 36, 54 and 86. Therefore, elements with atomic numbers
Thus, the elements with atomic number 35,53 and 85 are all belongs to halogens.
-
(a) noble gases: The elements with atomic numbers 35, 53, and 85 are not noble gases. Noble gases are found in Group 18 of the periodic table, and their atomic numbers are 2, 10, 18, 36, 54, and 86. The given atomic numbers (35, 53, and 85) do not match any of these.
-
(c) heavy metals: Heavy metals are typically defined as metals with high atomic weights and densities. The elements with atomic numbers 35 (Bromine), 53 (Iodine), and 85 (Astatine) are non-metals or metalloids, not heavy metals.
-
(d) light metals: Light metals are metals with low atomic weights and densities, such as those found in Groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table (e.g., Lithium, Sodium, Magnesium). The elements with atomic numbers 35, 53, and 85 are not metals; they are halogens, which are non-metals.
13. Electronic configuration of four elements A,
B, C, and
A.
B.
C.
D.
Which of the following is the correct order of increasing tendency to gain electron?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) Electronic configuration of elements indicate that
(i) Noble gases have no tendency to gain electrons since all their orbitals are completely filled. Thus, element
(ii) Since, element
(iii) Since, element
-
Option (b)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that element (oxygen) has a lower tendency to gain electrons than element (sodium). However, oxygen, being a group 16 element, has a higher electron gain enthalpy than sodium, which is a group 1 element. Therefore, should have a higher tendency to gain electrons than . -
Option (c)
: This option is incorrect because it places element (neon, a noble gas) as having the highest tendency to gain electrons. Noble gases have completely filled orbitals and thus have no tendency to gain electrons. Therefore, should have the least tendency to gain electrons, not the highest. -
Option (d)
: This option is incorrect because it suggests that element (neon) has a higher tendency to gain electrons than element (oxygen) and element (sodium). As a noble gas, has no tendency to gain electrons, so it should have the least electron gain enthalpy. Therefore, should not be placed higher than and in terms of electron gain tendency.
Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)
14. Which of the following elements can show covalencey greater than 4?
(a) Be
(b)
(c)
(d) B
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Answer
Elements
However, elements
- Be: Beryllium (Be) lies in the 2nd period and can have a maximum of 8 electrons in its valence shell. Therefore, it can have a maximum covalency of 4.
- B: Boron (B) also lies in the 2nd period and can have a maximum of 8 electrons in its valence shell. Thus, it can have a maximum covalency of 4.
15. Those elements impart colour to the flame on heating in it, the atoms of which require low energy for the ionisation (i.e., absorb energy in the visible region of spectrum). The elements of which of the following groups will impart colour to the flame?
(a) 2
(b) 13
(c) 1
(d) 17
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Answer
The elements of group 1 (alkali metals) and group 2 (alkaline earth metals) have 1 and 2 electrons respectively in their valence shells and hence have low ionisation energies. In other words, elements of group 1 and 2 imparts colour to the flame.
Group 1 | Colour | Group 2 | Colour |
---|---|---|---|
Crimson | Brick-red | ||
Yellow | Crimson red | ||
Pale violet | - | - | |
Red violet | Apple green | ||
Blue | Crimson |
-
Group 13: The elements in group 13 do not have low ionisation energies compared to groups 1 and 2. They have three electrons in their valence shells, which require more energy to ionize. Therefore, they do not impart colour to the flame.
-
Group 17: The elements in group 17 (halogens) have high ionisation energies because they have seven electrons in their valence shells and need only one more electron to achieve a stable octet configuration. As a result, they do not impart colour to the flame.
16. Which of the following sequences contain atomic numbers of only representative elements?
(a)
(b) 2, 10, 22, 36
(c)
(d)
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Answer
Elements of
With reference to this division, elements listed under option (a) and option (d) are all representative elements.
-
Option (b) is incorrect because the element with atomic number 22 (Titanium) is a transition element, not a representative element.
-
Option (c) is incorrect because the elements with atomic numbers 25 (Manganese) and 37 (Rubidium) are not all representative elements. Manganese is a transition element.
17. Which of the following elements will gain one electron more readily in comparison to other elements of their group?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
Chlorine has the highest tendency to gain one electron because by doing so, it acquires the stable electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas, i.e., argon. Sulphur and oxygen belong to group 16 but the size of oxygen is much smaller than that of sulphur.
As a result, when an electron is added to them, the electron-electron repulsions in the smaller
-
Sodium (Na): Sodium has only one electron in its valence shell and hence has a strong tendency to lose rather than gain one electron. This makes it less likely to gain an electron compared to other elements in its group.
-
Oxygen (O): Oxygen belongs to group 16, but its atomic size is much smaller than that of sulfur. When an electron is added to oxygen, the electron-electron repulsions in the smaller 2p-subshell are comparatively stronger than those present in the bigger 3p-subshell of sulfur. Therefore, oxygen has a lower tendency to gain an electron compared to sulfur.
18. Which of the following statements are correct?
(a) Helium has the highest first ionisation enthalpy in the periodic table
(b) Chlorine has less negative electron gain enthalpy than fluorine
(c) Mercury and bromine are liquids at room temperature
(d) In any period, atomic radius of alkali metal is the highest
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Answer
Chlorine has more negative electron gain enthalpy than fluorine. Therefore, all other given statements are correct.
- Chlorine has more negative electron gain enthalpy than fluorine because the added electron in chlorine experiences less electron-electron repulsion compared to fluorine, making it more energetically favorable for chlorine to gain an electron.
19. Which of the following sets contain only isoelectronic ions?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Thinking Process
Isoelectronic represents those species which have same number of electrons.
Answer
(a)
These species have different number of electrons and hence are not isoelectronic ions.
(b)
These are all isoelectronic ions since each one of them has 18 electrons.
(c)
These are all isoelectronic ions since each one of them has 18 electrons.
(d)
These have different number of electrons and hence are not isoelectronic ions.
-
(a)
. These species have different number of electrons and hence are not isoelectronic ions. -
(d)
. These have different number of electrons and hence are not isoelectronic ions.
20. In which of the following options order of arrangement does not agree with the variation of property indicated against it?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Show Answer
Thinking Process
(i) The ionic size increases as the positive charge on the cation decreases or the negative charge on the anion increases.
(ii) First ionisation enthalpy increases from left to right in the periodic table.
(iii) Electron gain enthalpy increases as the electronegativity of the atom increases.
(iv) The metallic character increases as the size of the metal atom increases.
Answer
Due to greater stability of the half filled electronic configuration of nitrogen, its ionisation enthalpy is higher than that of oxygen. Thus, option (b) is incorrect.
Due to stronger electron-electron repulsions in the small size of flourine the negative electron gain enthalpy of flunrinn in Ininan than that af nhlarinn Honnn nntinn ’n ’ is incorrect.
-
For option (a): The order of increasing ionic size is incorrect because
has a smaller ionic radius than , , and . The correct order should be , as given in the question, which is actually correct. Therefore, option (a) is not incorrect. -
For option (d): The order of increasing metallic radius is correct. As we move down the group in the periodic table, the metallic radius increases. Therefore,
is the correct order. Hence, option (d) is not incorrect.
21. Which of the following have no unit?
(a) Electronegativity
(b) Electron gain enthalpy
(c) Ionisation enthalpy
(d) Metallic character
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Answer
Electronegativity and metallic character have no units while electron gain enthalpy and ionisation enthalpy have units of
- Electron gain enthalpy has units because it is the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state, typically measured in
. - Ionisation enthalpy has units because it is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom in the gaseous state, also typically measured in
.
22. Ionic radii vary in
(a) inverse proportion to the effective nuclear charge
(b) inverse proportion to the square of effective nuclear charge
(c) direct proportion to the screening effect
(d) direct proportion to the square of screening effect
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Answer
lonic radius decreases as the effective nuclear charge increases.
lonic radius
Further, ionic radius increases as the screening effect increases.
lonic radius
-
Option (b) is incorrect because ionic radii do not vary in inverse proportion to the square of the effective nuclear charge. The relationship is a direct inverse proportion, not involving the square of the effective nuclear charge.
-
Option (d) is incorrect because ionic radii do not vary in direct proportion to the square of the screening effect. The relationship is a direct proportion to the screening effect itself, not its square.
23. An element belongs to 3 rd period and group 13 of the periodic table. Which of the following properties will be shown by the element?
(a) Good conductor of electricity
(b) Liquid, metallic
(c) Solid, metallic
(d) Solid, non-metallic
Show Answer
Answer
Except boron, all elements of groups 13 are metallic. These exists as solid. Being metallic in nature, aluminium is good conductor of electricity.
-
(b) Liquid, metallic: The element in question belongs to the 3rd period and group 13 of the periodic table, which includes elements like aluminum. Aluminum is a solid at room temperature, not a liquid. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
-
(d) Solid, non-metallic: While the element is indeed a solid, it is metallic in nature. Group 13 elements, except for boron, are metals. Therefore, this option is incorrect because it describes the element as non-metallic.
Short Answer Type Questions
24. Explain why the electron gain enthalpy of fluorine is less negative than that of chlorine?
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Answer
Electron gain enthalply of
In case of
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Answer
Elements in which the last electron enters in the
The
Thus, on the basis of properties, all transition elements are
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Answer
The present set up of the Long form of the periodic table can accommodate maximum 118 elements. Thus, in accordance with aufbau principle, the filling of
Since, it has only one electron in the valence shell, i.e.,

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Answer
To match the correct enthalpy with the elements and to complete the graph the following points are taken into consideration. As we move from left to right across a period, the ionisation enthalpy keeps on increasing due to increased nuclear charge and simultaneous decrease in atomic radius.
However, there are some exceptions given below
(a) In spite of increased nuclear charge, the first ionisation enthalpy of
Since, the electrons in
(b) The first ionisation enthalpy of
Therefore, the first ionisation enthalpy of

(a) which element has the highest first ionisation enthalpy?
(b) which element has the most metallic character?
Justify your answer in each case.
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Answer
The placing of elements are as
Period | Group-13 | Group-14 |
---|---|---|
2nd Period | Boron | Carbon |
3rd Period | Aluminium | Silicon |
(a) Ionisation enthalpy increases along a period (as we move from left to right in a period) with decrease in atomic size and decreases down the group with increase in atomic size. Hence, carbon has the highest first ionisation enthalpy.
(b) Metallic character decreases across a period but increases on moving down the group. Hence, aluminium has the most metallic character.
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Answer
The four important characteristic properties of p-block elements are the following
(a)
(b) Their ionisation enthalpies are relatively higher as compared to s-block elements.
(c) They mostly form covalent compounds.
(d) Some of them show more than one (variable) oxidation states in their compounds. Their oxidising character increases from left to right in a period and reducing character increases from top to bottom in a group.
(a) 72,160
(b) 160,160
(c) 72,72
(d) 160,72
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Answer
(a) Atomic radius of
Therefore, atomic radius of
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Answer
Oxidation state of an element depends upon the electrons present in the outermost shell or eight minus the number of valence shell electrons (outermost shell electrons). e.g.,
Alkali metals (Group 1 elements) General valence shell electronic configuration —
Alkaline earth metals (Group 2 elements) General valence shell electronic configuration
Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals belong to s-block elements and elements of group 13 to group 18 are known as
Group 13 elements General valence shell electronic configuration
Group 14 elements General valence shell electronic configuration
Group 15 elements General valence shell electronic configuration
Group 16 elements General valence shell electronic configuration
Group 17 elements General valence shell electronic configuration
Group 18 elements General valence shell configuration
Transition elements or d-block elements General electronic configuration
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Answer
Electronic configuration of
Electronic configuration of
Oxygen has lower ionisation enthalpy than nitrogen because by removing one electron from
nitrogen it is not easy to remove one of the three 2 n-electrons due to its stable configuration.
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Answer
First member of each group of representative elements (i.e.,
(a) Compounds of lithium have significant covalent character. While compounds of other alkali metals are predominantly ionic.
(b) Lithium reacts with nitrogen to form lithium nitride while other alkali metals do not form nitrides.
In p-block elements, first member of each group has four orbitals, one
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Answer
In p-block, when we move from left to right in a period, the acidic character of the oxides increases due to increase in electronegativity. e.g.,
(i) 2nd period
(ii) 3rd period
On moving down the group, acidic character decreases and basic character increases. e.g.,
(a) Nature of oxides of 13 group elements
(b) Nature of oxides of 15 group elements
Among the oxides of same element, higher the oxidation state of the element, stronger is the acid. e.g.,
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Thinking Process
The species having exactly half-filled or fully filled orbitals have extra ordinarily high ionisation enthalpies.
Answer
First ionisation enthalpy of sodium
After the removal of first electron
While in case of magnesium, after the removal of first electron, the electronic configuration of
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Answer
Exothermic reactions Reactions which are accompanied by evolution of heat are called exothermic reactions. The quantity of heat produced is shown either along with the products with a ’ + ’ sign or in terms if
Endothermic reactions Reactions which proceed with absorption of heat are called endothermic reactions. The quantity of heat absorbed is shown either along with the products with a ‘-’ sign or in terms of
(i) increasing first ionisation enthalpy.
(ii) increasing non-metallic character.
Give reason for the arrangement assigned.
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Answer
The placing of elements are as
Period | Group 15 | Group 16 |
---|---|---|
2nd period | ||
3rd period |
(i) Ionisation enthalpy of nitrogen
On moving down the group, ionisation enthalpy decreases with increasing atomic size. So, the order is
(ii) Non-metallic character across a period (left to right) increases but on moving down the group it decreases. So, the order is

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There is deviation of ionisation enthalpy of some elements from the general trend as shown in figure. The first ionisation enthalpy of
(a) Electronegativity of elements increase on moving from left to right in the periodic table.
(b) Ionisation enthalpy decrease in a group from top to bottom.
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(a) Across the period, the nuclear charge increases and the atomic radius decreases. As a result, the tendency of the atom of an element to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself increases and hence the electronegativity of the element increases. e.g., electronegativity of the elements of the 2nd period increases regularly from left to right as follows
(b) The ionisation enthalpy decreases regularly as we move from top to bottom, as explained below
(i) On moving down a group from top to bottom, the atomic size increases gradually due to the addition of a new principal energy shell at each succeding element. As a result, the distance between the nucleus and the valence shell increases.
In other words, the force of attraction of the nucleus for the valence electrons decreases and hence the ionisation enthalpy should decrease.
(ii) With the addition of new shells, the number of inner shell which shield the valence electrons from the nucleus increases. In other words, the shielding effect or the screening effect increases.
As a result, the force of attraction of the nucleus for the valence electrons further decreases and hence the ionisation enthalpy should decrease.
(iii) Further, in a group from top to bottom nuclear charge increases with increase in atomic number. As a result, the force of attraction of the nucleus for the valence electrons increases and hence the ionisation enthalpy should increase.
The combined effect of the increase in atomic size and screening effect more than compensate the effect of the increased nuclear charge. Consequently, the valence electrons become less and less firmly held by the nucleus and hence the ionisation enthalpy gradually decreases as we move down the group.
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As we move from left to right in a period, the number of valence electrons increases by one at each succeeding element but the number of shells remains same. Due to this effective nuclear charge increases. More is the effective nuclear charge, more is the attraction between nuclei and electron.
Hence, the tendency of the element to lose electrons decreases, this results in decrease in metallic character. Furthermore, the tendency of an element to gain electrons increases with increase in effective nuclear charge, so non-metallic character increases on moving from left to right in a period.
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When an atom loses an electron to form cation, its radius decreases. In a cation, per electron nuclear forces increases due to decrease in number of electrons. As a result of this, effective nuclear charge increases and the radius of cation decreases. e.g., ionic radius of
Electrons
Nuclear charge
lonic size
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Answer
On moving down the group, electronegativity decreases because atomic size increases.
Matching The Columns
43. Match the correct atomic radius with the element.
Element | Atomic radius |
---|---|
74 | |
88 | |
111 | |
77 | |
66 |
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Thinking Process
(i) All the element given in the question belong to the second period of the periodic table.
(ii) Atomic radius is the distance from the centre of the nucleus to the point upto which the density of the electron cloud (i.e., probability of finding the electron) is maximum.
Answer
All the given elements are of same period and along a period, atomic radii decreases because effective nuclear charge increases. Thus, the order of atomic radii is
Elements | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(i) | Most reactive non-metal | A. | 419 | 3051 | -48 |
(ii) | Most reactive metal | B. | 1681 | 3374 | -328 |
(iii) | Least reactive element | C. | 738 | 1451 | -40 |
(iv) | Metal forming binary halide | D. | 2372 | 5251 | +48 |
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(i) Most reactive non-metal has high
(ii) Most reactive metal has low
(iii) Noble gases are the least reactive elements. They have very high
(iv) Metal forming binary halides are alkaline earth metals. They have
Column I (Electronic configuration) |
Column II (Electron gain enthalpy/ |
|
---|---|---|
A. | -53 | |
B. | -328 | |
C. | -141 | |
D. | +48 |
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A.
B.
C.
D.
A. This electronic configuration corresponds to the noble gas i.e., neon. Since, noble gases have
B. This electronic configuration corresponds to the alkali metal i.e., potassium. Alkali metals have small negative
C. This electronic configuration corresponds to the halogen i.e., fluorine. Since, halogens have high negative
D. This electronic configuration corresponds to the chalcogen i.e., oxygen. Since, chalcogens have
In the following questions a statement of Assertion (A) followed by a statement of Reason (R) is given. Choose the correct option out of the choices given below in each question.
Assertion (A) Generally, ionisation enthalpy increases from left to right in a period.
Reason (R) When successive electrons are added to the orbitals in the same principal quantum level, the shielding effect of inner core of electrons does not increase very much to compensate for the increased attraction of the electron to the nucleus.
(a) Assertion is correct statement and reason is wrong statement.
(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion and reason both are wrong statements.
(d) Assertion is wrong statement and reason is correct statement.
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(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation of assertion. Ionisation enthalpy increases along a period because effective nuclear charge increases and atomic size decreases.
Reason (R) The penetration of
(a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
(c) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation for Assertion.
(d) Assertion and reason both are wrong statements.
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(c) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation for assertion.
Boron has a smaller first ionisation enthalpy than beryllium because the penetration of a
Reason (R) Size of the atom increases on going down the group and the added electron would be farther from the nucleus.
(a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation for assertion.
(c) Assertion and reason both are wrong statements.
(d) Assertion is wrong statement but reason is correct statement.
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Answer
(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation for assertion.
Electron gain enthalpy becomes less negative as the size of an atom increases down the group. This is because within a group screening effect increases on going downward and the added electron would be farther away from the nucleus.
Long Answer Type Questions
49. Discuss the factors affecting electron gain enthalpy and the trend in its variation in the periodic table.
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Electron gain enthalpy of an element is equal to the energy released when an electron is added to valence shell of an isolated gaseous atom.
Factors affecting electron gain enthalpy
(i) Effective nuclear charge Electron gain enthalpy increases with increase in effective nuclear charge because attraction of nucleus towards incoming electron increases. (ii) Size of an atom Electron gain enthalpy decreases with increase in the size of valence shell.
(iii) Type of subshell More closer is the subshell to the nucleus, easier is the addition of electron in that subshell.
Electron gain enthalpy (in decreasing order) for addition of electron in different subshell (
(iv) Nature of configuration Half-filled and completely-filled subshell have stable configuration, so addition of electron in them is not energetically favourable.
Variation in the periodic table As a general rule, electron gain enthalpy becomes more and more negative with increase in the atomic number across a period. The effective nuclear charge increases from left to right across a period and consequently it will be easier to add an electron to a smaller atom.
Electron gain enthalpy becomes less negative as we go down a group because the size of the atom increases and the added electron would be farther from the nucleus.
Electron gain enthalpy of
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Ionisation enthalpy The minimum amount of energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from an isolated gaseous atom so as to convert it into a gaseous cation is called its ionisation enthalpy. It is represented by
Factors affecting ionisation enthalpy of the elements
lonisation enthalpy depends upon the following factors
(i) Nuclear charge The ionisation enthalpy increases with increase in nuclear charge. This is due to the fact that with increase in nuclear charge, the electrons of the outer shell are more firmly held by the nucleus and thus greater energy is required to pull out an electron from the atom.
e.g., the ionisation enthalpy increases as we move along a period from left to right due to increased nuclear charge.
Element of 2nd period | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nuclear charge | +3 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 |
First ionisation enthalpy |
520 | 899 | 801 | 1086 | 1402 | 1314 | 1681 | 2080 |
(ii) Atomic size or radius lonisation enthalpy decreases as the atomic size increases. As the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus increases with increase in atomic radius, the attractive force on the outer electron decreases.
As a result, outer electrons are held less firmly and hence lesser amount of energy is required to knock them out. Thus, ionisation enthalpy decreases with increase in atomic size. Ionisation enthalpy is found to decrease on moving down a group
Element (alkali metals) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
First ionisation enthalpies |
520 | 496 | 419 | 403 | 374 |
(iii) Penetration effect of the electrons lonisation enthalpy increases as the penetration effect of the electrons increases. It is well known fact that in case of multielectron atoms, the electrons of the s-orbital has the maximum probability of being found near the nucleus and this probability goes on decreasing in case of
In other words, s-electrons of any shell are more penetrating towards the nucleus than
e.g., First ionisation enthalpy of aluminium is lower than that of magnesium. This is due to the fact that in case of aluminium
(iv) Shielding or screening effect of inner shell electrons As the shielding or the screening effect of the inner electrons increases, the ionisation enthalpy decreases. Consequently, the force of attraction by the nucleus for the valence shell electrons decreases and hence the ionisation enthalpy decreases.
(v) Effect of arrangement of electrons If an atom contains exactly half filled or completely filled orbitals then such an arrangement has extra stability. Therefore, the removal of an electron from such an atom requires more energy than expected.
e.g.,
The ionisation enthalpies keep on decreasing regularly as we move down a group from one element to the other.

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There are numerous physical properties of elements such as melting points, boiling points, heats of fusion and vaporisation, energy of atomisation, etc., which show periodic variations.
The cause of periodicity in properties is the repetition of similar outer electronic configurations after certain regular intervals. e.g., all the elements of 1st group (alkali metals) have similar outer electronic configuration, i.e.,
Therefore, due to similar outermost shell electronic configuration all alkali metals have similar properties. e.g., sodium and potassium both are soft and reactive metals. They all form basic oxides and their basic character increases down the group. They all form unipositive ion by the lose of one electron.
Similarly, all the elements of 17th group (halogens) have similar outermost shell electronic configuration, i.e.,
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All the elements of group IA (or I), i.e., alkali metals have the similar outer electronic configuration, i.e.,
Symbol | Atomic number | Electronic configuration |
---|---|---|
3 | ||
11 | ||
19 | ||
37 | ||
55 | ||
87 |
Hence, placement of all these elements in group 1 of the periodic table because of similarity in electronic configuration and all the elements have similar properties.
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The main drawbacks of Mendeleev’s periodic table are
(i) Some elements having similar properties were placed in different groups whereas some elements having dissimilar properties were placed in the same group.
e.g., alkali metals such as
(ii) Some elements with higher atomic weights are placed before the elements with lower atomic weights in order to maintain the similar chemical nature of elements.
i.e.,
(iii) Isotopes did not find any place in the periodic table. However, according to Mendeleev’s classification, these should be placed at different places in the periodic table.
(All the above three defects were however removed when modern periodic law based on atomic number was given).
(iv) Position of hydrogen in the periodic table is not fixed but is controversial.
(v) Position of elements of group VIII could not be made clear which have been arranged in three triads without any justification.
(vi) It could not explain the even and odd series in IV, V and VI long periods.
(vii) Lanthanides and actinides which were discovered later on have not been given proper positions in the main frame of periodic table.
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The long form of the periodic table is better than Mendeleev’s periodic table because it classifies the elements on the basis of electronic configurations of their atoms.
The characteristics of this table are
(i) The table consists of 9 vertical columns, called the groups and 7 horizontal rows, called the periods.
(ii) The groups are marked 0 to VIII out of which group I to VII are subdivided into subgroups A and B.
(iii) The group IA elements (
(iv) The group VIII has there similar elements placed together in one place. These are called transition triads, e.g.,
(v) In the 6th and 7th period, 14 elements present called as lanthanides and actinides respectively.
(vi) Based on their electronic configuration, elements have been grouped into
(vii) There is gradual change in properties seen from one end to the other.
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Answer
The ionisation enthalpies decreases regularly as we move down a group from one element to the other. This is evident from the values of the first ionisation enthalpies of the elements of group 1 (alkali metals) and group 17 elements as given in table and figure.
Group 1 | First ionisation enthalpies |
Group 17 | First ionisation enthalpies |
---|---|---|---|
1312 | 1681 | ||
520 | 1255 | ||
496 | 1142 | ||
419 | 1009 | ||
403 | 917 | ||
374 |

Given trend can be easily explained on the basis of increasing atomic size and screening effect as follows
(i) On moving down the group, the atomic size increases gradually due to the addition of one new principal energy shell at each succeeding element. Hence, the distance of the valence electrons from the nucleus increases.
Consequently, the force of attraction by the nucleus for the valence electrons decreases and hence the ionisation enthalpy should decrease.
(ii) With the addition of new shells, the shielding or the screening effect increases. As a result, the force of attraction of the nucleus for the valence electrons further decreases and hence the ionisation enthalpy should decrease.
(iii) Nuclear charge increases with increase in atomic number. As a result, the force of attraction by the nucleus for the valence electrons should increase and accordingly the ionisation enthalpy should increase.
The combined effect of the increase in the atomic size and the screening effect more than compensates the effect of the increased nuclear charges. Consequently, the valence electrons become less and less firmly held by the nucleus and hence the ionisation enthalpies gradually decrease as move down the group.