CH-5: PERIODIC CLASSIFICATION CHEMISTRY / CLASS-X

PERIODIC

5.1
5 INTRODUCTION :
CLASSIFICATION

At present 118 elements are known to us. Around the year 1800, only 30 elements were known. All
these had seemingly different properties.
As different elements were being discovered, scientists gathered more and more information about the
properties of these elements. They found it difficult to organise all that was known about the elements.
They started looking for some pattern in their properties. On the basis of which they could study such a
large number of elements with ease.

5.2 WHY DO WE NEED TO CLASSIFY ELEMENTS ?

Before the begining of eighteenth century, only a very few elements were known and it was quite easy to
study and remember their individual properties. However, the situation became difficult with the discovery
of large number of elements in the later years. At this stage the scientists felt the need of some simple
method to facilitate the study of the properties of various elements and their compounds. After numerous
attempts the scientists were ultimately successful in arranging the elements in such a way so that similar
elements were grouped together and different elements were separated.

5.3 MAKING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS-EARLY ATTEMPT AT THE

CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS :
5.3.1 Dobereiners triads
In 1817, J.W. Dobereiner, a german scientist gave this arrangement of elements.
(i) He made groups of three elements having similar chemical properties called TRIAD.
(ii) In Dobereiner triad, atomic weight. of middle element is equal to the average atomic weight of
first and third element.
Triad Li Na K 7  39
Example : = 23
Relative A tomic Mass 7 23 39 2

Dobereiner’s Triads :
Triad Relative atomic Arithmetic mean of atomic masses of
masses respectively first and the third elements.

32  128
S, Se, Te 32, 79, 128 = 80
2

35.5  127
Cl, Br, I 35.5, 80, 127 = 81.25
2

40  137
Ca, Sr, Ba 40, 88, 137 = 88.5
2
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5.3.2 Limitations
Dobereiner could identify only three triads from the elements known at that time. hence this system of
classification into triads was not found to be useful for classifying many other elements which were not
able to form any traids like all three previous triads.

Illustration 1
The law of triad is applicable to
(A) C, N, O (B) H, O, N (C) Na, K, Rb (D) Cl, Br, I
Solution
(D) Cl, Br, I

Illustration 2
The law of triad is not applicable to
(A) Cl, Br, I (B) Na, K, Rb (C) S, Se, Te (D) Ca, Sr, Ba
Solution
(B) Na, K, Rb

Illustration 3
X, Y, Z are three members of a Dobereiner’s triad. The atomic mass of
X is 7 µ and that of Y is 23 µ. What is the atomic mass of Z?
Solution
The triads is X, Y, Z. Let the atomic mass of Z be x, then according to Dobereiner.
Atomic mass of X  Atomic mass of Z
Atomic mass of Y =
2

7µ  x
23 µ =
2
x = 2 × 23 µ – 7µ = 46 µ – 7 µ = 39 µ
Therefore, the atomic mass of Z is 39 µ.

5.4 NEWLAND LAW OF OCTAVES (1865):

In 1864, John Alexander Newland, an English chemist noticed that “when elements are arranged in the
increasing order of their atomic masses every eighth element had properties similar to first element”.
(i) He arranged the elements in the increasing order of their atomic mass and observe that properties
of every 8th element was similar to the 1st one. Like in the case of musical vowels notation.

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ne Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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(ii) At that time inert gases were not known.

Sa re ga ma pa da ni
(do) (re) (mi) (fa) (so) (la) (ti)
H Li Be B C N O
F Na Mg Al Si P S
Cl K Ca Cr Ti Mn Fe
Co and Ni Cu Zn Y In As Se
Br Rb Sr Ce and Na Zr – –

(iii) The properties of Li are similar to 8th element i.e. Na, Be are similar to Mg and so on.

Drawback or Limitation :
 It was found that the law of octaves was applicable only upto calcium, as after calcium every
eighth element did not possess properties similar to that of the first.
 It was assumed by Newlands that only 56 elements existed in nature and no more elements
would be discovered in future. But later on several new elements were discovered whose
properties did not fit Newland’s law of Octaves.
 In order to fit elements into his table, Newland adjusted two elements in the same slot, but also
put some unlike elements under the same note. Can you find examples of these from Table?
Note that cobalt and nickel are in the same slot and these are placed in the same column as
fluorine, chlorine and bromine which have very different properties than these elements, Iron,
which resembles cobalt and nickel in properties has been placed far away from these elements.
Thus, Newland’s law of Octaves worked well with lighter elements only

5.5 LOTHER MEYER’S CURVE (1869):

(i) He plotted a curve between atomic weight and atomic volume of different elements.
(ii) The following observation can be made from the curve-
(a) Most electropositive elements i.e. Alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs etc.) occupy the
peak positions on the curve.
(b) Less electropositive i.e. Alkaline earth metal (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) occupy the descending
position on the curve.
(c) Metalloids (B, Si, Te, At etc) and transition metals occupy bottom part of the curve.
(d) Most electronegative i.e. halogens (F, Cl, Br, I) occupy the ascending position on the curve.

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Note : Elements having similar properties occupy similar position on the curve.

Conclusion :
On the basis of the curve Lother Meyer proposed that the physical properties of the elements are
periodic function of their atomic wt. and this become the base of Mendeleev’s periodic table.

Illustration 4
What is periodic function.
Solution
The periodic function is a function that repeats it value (physical and chemical
properties) in regular interval or periods. .

5.6 MENDELEEV’S PERIODIC TABLE (1869) :

Mendeleev’s Periodic Table was published in a German journal in 1872. In the formula for oxides and
hydrides at the top of the columns, the letter R is used to represent any of the elements in the group. Note
the way formulae are written. For example, the hydride of carbon, CH4 is written as RH4 and the oxide
CO2 as RO2.

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VIII
Group I II III IV V VI VII
Oxide R2O RO R2O3 RO2 R2O5 RO3 R2O7 RO4
Hydride RH RH2 RH3 RH4 RH3 RH2 RH
Periods A B A B A B A B A B A B A B Transition
Series

1 H
1.008
2 Li Be B C N O F
6.939 9.012 10.81 12.011 14.007 15.999 18.998
3 Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
22.99 24.31 29.98 28.09 30.974 32.06 35.453
4 First series K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni
39.102 40.08 44.96 47.90 50.94 50.20 54.94 55.85 58.93 58.71
Second series Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br
63.54 65.37 69.72 72.59 74.92 78.96 79.909
5 First series Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Co Ni
85.47 87.62 88.91 91.22 92.91 95.94 99 101.07 102.91 106.4
Second series Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I
107.87 112.40 114.82 118.69 121.75 127.60 126.90
6 First series Cs Ba La Hf Ta W Os Ir Pt
132.90 137.34 138.91 178.49 180.95 183.85 190.2 192.2 195.09
Second series Au Hg Tl Pb Bi
196.97 200.59 204.37 207.19 208.98

(i) Mendeleev’s Periodic Law : The physical and chemical properties of elements are the periodic
function of their atomic weight.
(ii) Characteristic of Mendeleev’s periodic table.
(a) It was based on atomic weight.
(b) 63 elements were known at that time.
(c) Noble gases were not discovered.
(d) He was the first scientist to classify the elements in a systematic manner i.e. in horizontal
rows and in vertical columns.
(e) Horizontal rows are called periods and there were 7 periods in Mendeleev’s periodic table.
(f) Vertical columns are called groups and there were 8 groups in Mendeleev’s Periodic table.
(g) Each group upto VII is divided into A & B subgroups, ‘A’ sub groups elements are
called normal elements and ‘B’ subgroups elements are called transition elements.
(h) The VIII group contains 9 elements in three rows (Transitional metals group)
(i) The elements belonging to same group exhibit similar properties.

5.6.1 Achievements of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table

(i) Predication of undiscovered element : Further, Mendeleev left some gaps in his Periodic
Table. Instead of looking upon these gaps as defects, Mendeleev predicted the existence of
some elements that had not been discovered at that time.
Mendeleev named them by prefixing a Sanskrit numeral, Eka (one) to the name of preceding
element in the same group.
For instance, scandium, gallium and germanium, discovered later, have properties similar to B,
Al, Si that’s why they were termed as Eka-boron, Eka-aluminium and Eka-silicon respectively.
The properties of Eka-aluminium predicted by Mendeleev and those of the element, gallium
which was discovered later and replaced Eka-aluminium are listed as follows

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Table: Properties of Eka-aluminium and gallium

Property Preducted properties Real properties

of Eka-alumnium of Gallium
Atomic mass 68 69.7
Formula of Oxide E2O3 Ga2O3
Formula of Chloride ECl 3 GaCl3

(ii) Classification of elements : This provided convincing evidence for both the correctness and
usefulness of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table. Further, it was the extraordinary success of Mendeleev’s
prediction that led chemists not only to accept his Periodic Table but also recognise him, as the
originator of the concept on which it based. Mendeleev’s periodic table could perdict the
properties of several elements on the basis of their position in the periodic table.
(iii) Correction of doubtful atomic weights of some elements : Initially Berilium assumed as
trivalent and equivalent weight = 4.5
Atomic Weight = Valency × equivalent weight
= 3 × 4.5
= 13.5
But there is no space for such element then correction has been done and Berilium assumed as
divalent.
Atomic Weight = Valency × equivalent weight
= 2 × 4.5
=9
Other example, Atomic weight correction are U, Be, Ln, Au, Pt.

5.6.2 Limitations of Mendeleev’s Classification

1. Anomalous pairs of elements : While developing the Periodic Table, there were a few instances
where Mendeleev had to place an element with a slightly greater atomic mass before an element
with a slightly lower atomic mass. The sequence was inverted so that elements with similar
properties could be grouped together. For example, cobalt (atomic mass 58.9) appeared before
nickel (atomic mass 58.7).
2. Position of Hydrogen : Electronic configuration of hydrogen resembles that of alkali metals.
Like alkali metals, hydrogen combines with halogens, oxygen and sulphur to form compounds
having similar formulae.
On the other hand, just like halogens, hydrogen also exists as diatomic molecules and it combines
with metals and non-metals to form covalent compounds.
3. Position of Isotopes: Isotopes of elements were placed in the same position in the table though
according to their atomic weights, they should have been placed in different position.

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4. Separation of similar but grouping of certain dissimilar elements: Certain chemically similar
elements like copper and mercury were placed in different group while some other dissimilar
elements like copper, silver and gold have been placed in the same group.
5. Noble gases like helium (He), neon (Ne) and argon (Ar) have been discovered later because
they are very inert and present in extremely low concentrations in our atmosphere. One of the
strengths of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table was that, when these gases were discovered, they
could be placed in a new group without disturbing the existing order.
6. Lanthanides and Actinides: A group of 14 elements (at No. 58 to 71) called rare earths metal
or lanthanide were placed together in one position i.e. in group III B of 6th period. Similarly
another group of elements called actinides do not find their proper places in this periodic table.

Illustration 5
Many scientists before Mendeleev also used atomic mass as the basis of
classification, but why did only Mendeleev succeed.
Solution
The secret of Mendeleev’s success was that although the classification was based
on atomic mass, but at many places he did not follow this rule rigidly. He laid
major stress on the similarity in the chemical and physical properties.

Illustration 6
Why did Mendeleev leave many gaps in his periodic table?
Solution
Mendeleev predicted that there were many elements yet to be discovered. So,
when none of the elements known at that time fit into a particular position, he left
a gap there. Later, when more elements were discovered these were found to fit
into these gaps.

5.7 MAKING ORDER OUT OF CHOAS-THE MODERN PERIODIC TABLE :

A large number of scientists made attempts to remove drawbacks of Mendeleev’s periodic table. In
1913, the English Physicist Henry Moseley studied the X-ray spectra of many elements. He observed

that a plot v (where v is the frequency of the X-rays emitted) against atomic number (Z) gave a

straight line and not the plot of v against atomic weight. He proposed that atomic number is a more
fundamental property of an element than its atomic weight. Therefore, the physical and chemical properties
of the elements are determined by their atomic numbers instead of their atomic weights. This observation
led to the development of modern periodic law and the modern periodic law can be stated as follows:
Properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic number.

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Let us recall that the atomic number gives us the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom and this
number increases by one in going from one element to the next. Elements, when arranged in order of
increasing atomic number Z, lead us to the classification known as the modern periodic table. Prediction
of properties of elements could be made with more precision when elements were arranged on the basis
of increasing atomic number.

5.7.1 What is Periodicity

The recurrence of properties of the elements, after a certain regular intervals, when they are arranged in
the increasing order of their atomic numbers, is called periodicity.

5.7.2 Cause of Periodicity

We know that properties of elements depend upon the number of valence electrons, i.e. the number of
electrons in the outermost shell. When the elements are arranged in the increasing order of their atomic
numbers, then the elements having the same numbers of valence electrons are repeated at regular intervals
of 2, 8, 8, 18, 18, 32....... Since the chemical properties depend upon the number of valence electrons,
therefore, chemical properties are repeated at regular intervals, i.e. there is periodicity in the chemical
properties of the elements.

5.7.3 Long form of periodic table :

Groups:- The 18 vertical columns are called groups. The elements belonging to a particular group is
known as a family and is usually named after the first number. Apart from this some of the groups are
given typical name as examplified beneath.
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(i) Elements of group 1 are called ALKALI METALS .

(ii) Elements of group 2 are called ALKALINE EARTH METALS.
(iii) Elements of group 15 are called PNICTOGENS. Means choking to system due to toxicity.
(iv) Elements of group 16 are called CHALCOGENS.
(v) Elements of group 17 are called HALOGENS.
(vi) Elements of group 18 are called NOBLE GASES OR AEROGENS.
All the other groups are named after the first member of each group.
A few important characteristics of the elements present in groups are listed.
(i) The elements present in a group are separated by definite gaps of atomic numbers
(8, 8, 18, 18, 32). These are called magic numbers.
(ii) There are eighteen (18) independent groups in the Long from of Periodic Table. These are
numbered from 1 to 18.
(iii) The elements present in a group have the same number of electrons in the valence shell of their
atoms.
(iv) The elements present in a group have the same valency.
(v) The elements present in group have identical chemical properties.
(vi) The physical properties of the elements in group such as melting point, boiling point, density
vary gradually.
(vii) Atomic radii of the elements present in a group increase downwards.

Periods : The horizontal rows are called periods. There are Seven Periods in the long form of the
periodic Table.

Period n Subshell No.of Element Element Name of Period

1 1 1s 2 1H  2He Shortest
2 2 2s, 2p 8 3Li  10 Ne Short
3 3 3s, 3p 8 11Na  18Ar Short
4 4 4s, 3d, 4p 18 19K  36Kr Long
5 5 5s, 4d, 5p 18 37Rb  58Xe Long
6 6 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 32 55Cs  86Rn Longest
7 7 7s, 5f, 6d 26 87Fr  112UUb Incomplete
The important characteristics of the elements in a period are as follows :
(i) In all the elements present in a period the electrons are filled in the valence shell.
(ii) As the number of electrons in the valence shell change, the chemical properties of the elements
present in a period also change.
(iii) Atomic radii of the elements in a period decrease from left to the right.
(iv) Along a period, the metallic character of the elements decreases and the non-metallic character
increases.
(v) Along a period, the reducing character of the elements decreases and their oxidizing character
increases.

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Both the lanthanide and actinide series of elements were placed under the rest
of the periodic table. These elements technically should be placed between the
alkaline earth metals and the transition metals, however, since this would make
the periodic table too wide, they were placed below the rest of the elements.

5.7.4 DIVISION OF THE PERIODIC TABLE IN s, p, d and f blocks :

The periodic table is divided into four main blocks (s, p, d and f) depending upon the subshell to which
the valence electron enters into.
(i) Elements of group 1 and 2 constitute s-block.
(ii) Elements of group 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 constitute p-block.
(iii) Elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 constitute d-block.
(iv) The f-block element comprise two horizontal rows placed at the bottom of the periodic table to
avoid its unnecessary expansion.
Elements of s and p-block are called normal or representative elements, those of d-block are called
transition elements while the f-block elements are called inner transition elements.
s-Blocks Elements :
The elements in which the last electron enters the s-sub-shell of their outermost energy level and
electronic configuration is ns1 or ns2 (I or II group) are called s-block elements are :
(i) They are soft metals.
(ii) They have low ionisation energies.
(ii) They are very reactive and form ionic compounds.
(iv) They show oxidation states of +1 group and +2 group.
(v) They are good reducing agents.
(vi) They form basic oxide.

. p- Block Elements :
The elements in which the last electron enters the p-sub-shell of their outermost energy level are called
p-block elements. The exception is helium (1s2).
The general configuration of their outermost shell is ns2 np1-6. These elements are kept in group 13 to
18. Some of the general characteristics of p-block elements are:
(i) They show variable oxidation states.
(ii) They form ionic as well as covalent compounds.
(iii) Most of them are non-metals.
(iv) Most of them form acidic oxides.
d- Block Elements :
(i) They are hard and having high melting point.
(ii) They show variable oxidation states.
(iii) They form coloured complexes.
(iv) They form ionic as well as covalent compounds.
(v) Most of them exhibit paramagnetism.
(vi) Most of them possess catalytic properties.
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f- Block Elements :
The elements in which the last electron enters the f- block elements.
Their general configuration is (n – 2) f 1–14 (n – 1)d 0 – 1 ns2. They consist of two series of 28 elements
(14 in each) placed at the bottom of the periodic table.
The elements of first series followed by lanthanum (57La) are called Lanthanides.
The elements of second series followed by actinium (89Ac) are called Actinides.
The general Characterstics of f-block elements are :
(i) They show variable oxidation states.
(ii) They have high melting points.
(iii) They have high densities.
(iv) They form coloured compounds.
(v) Most of the elements of actinide series are radioactive.

NOTE:
1. The elements of group zero are called inert gases, noble gases, rare gases or aerogens.
2. The elements of p-block (except noble gases) are called representative or main group elements.
The members of this group of elements have all their occupied subshells filled except their outermost
electron shell.

5.8 ADVANTAGES OF LONG FORM OVER MENDELEEV’S PERIDIC TABLE:

There are several advantages of long form of periodic table over Mendeleev’s periodic table. Some of
these are as follows:
(i) It is based upon atomic number which is a fundamental property instead of atomic mass.
(ii) The elements have been grouped as s,p,d and f-block elements. which helps us to understand
the electronic configuration in a better way.
(iii) In the long form of periodic table, the elements are arranged in the increasing order of their
atomic numbers, therefore, no separate place is required for isotopes.
(iv) The position of some of the elements which were a misfit on the basis of atomic mass is now
explained on the basis of increase in atomic number. For example, argon proceeds potassium
because argon has atomic number 18 which is less than that of potassium which is 19.
(v) Metals, non-metals, metalloids, transition elements, lanthanoids and actinoids are now better
classified.

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5.9 NOMENCLATURE OF ELEMENTS ATOMIC NUMBER  100:

According to IUPAC following latin word roots are used for naming of elements having atomic number
greater than or equal to 100. The latin words for various digits of the atomic number are written together
in the order of which makes the atomic number and suffix ium is added at the end.

Digit 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Latin Word Nil Un Bi Tri Quad Pent Hex Sept Oct Enn

Abbrevation n u b t q p h s o e

For example: The element with atomic number 104 named as follows:
1 0 4 suffix
un nil quad + ium = unnilquadium
and assigned symbol Unq.
Note: These IUPAC names given are temporary later on elements assigned permanent names.

5.10 PERIODIC PROPERTIES :

The properties which are directly or indirectly related to their electronic configuration and show gradual
change when we move from left to right in a period or from top to bottom in a group are called periodic
properties.
(a) Atomic volume, atomic size, melting point, boiling point and density are important physical
properties which show periodicity.
(b) Some important chemical properties that exhibit periodicity are electronic configuration, ionisation
energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, metallic character, nature of oxides, oxidation state
and reducting character etc.
(c) Specific heat, refractive index etc. are not periodic properties.
Some trends in Modern Periodc Table
(A) VALENCY
Valency may be defined as combining capacity of an element.
The Valency of an element is usually determined by the number of electrons in the
outermost shell of its atoms. This is because the outer electrons are largely responsible for the
chemical behaviour as these electron usually participate in chemical bonding.
(i) Variation of valency in a period. On moving from left to right in each short period, the
valency of the elements first increases from 1 to 4 and then decreases and becomes 0
(zero). The trend for the elements of third period is shown below in table.

Variation of Valency of Element of Third Period

Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
Valency 1 2 3 4 3 2 1 0

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(ii) Variation of Valency in a Group. On moving down a group, the number of valence
electrons remains the same and due to this all the elements in a particular group have the
same valency. For example,
All elements of group 1 shows a valency of 1
All elements of group 2 shows a valency of 2
All elements of group 13 shows a valency of 3
All elements of group 14 shows a valency of 4
All elements of group 15 shows a valency of 3
All elements of group 16 shows a valency of 2
All elements of group 17 shows a valency of 1
All elements of group 18 shows a valency of 0

(B) METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC CHARACTER.

Generally, Metals posses 1, 2 or 3 electrons in their respective valence shells and thus have a
strong tendency to lose these electrons to form positive ions. Therefore, metals are also called
electropositive elements and the metallic character is also called Electropositive Character.
Non-Metals, on the other hand, generally have 4 to 8 electrons in their respective outermost
shells and thus have a tendency to gain electrons to form negative ions. Therefore non-metals are
also called Electronegative elements and the non metallic character is also called
electronegative character.
Variation in a period: On moving from left to right in a period, the metallic character decreases
while the non-metallic character increases.

Second period elements

Metallic character decreases

Nature of elements           
Non  Metallic character increases

Thus in the second period, lithium is the most metallic element followed by beryllium. The non
metallic character starts with boron and keeps on increasing. Thus fluorine is the most non
metallic element of the second period.
The change from metallic to non metallic character is more striking among the elements of the
third period as shown below :

Third period elements

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In general, the most metallic element lies on the extreme left hand side while most non metallic
element lies on the extreme right hand side of any period.
Variation in a group. On moving down in a group, the metallic character or electropositive
character increases.
Elements of Group 1
Element Symbol Metallic character
Lithium Li Least metallic element
Sodium Na
Potassium K Metallic character increases
down the group
Rubidium Rb
Cesium Cs
Francium Fr Most metallic element
Conversely, on moving down a group, the non metallic character or electronegative character
decreases.

Elements of Group 17
Element Symbol Metallic character
Fluorine F Most non metallic element
Chlorine Cl
Bromine Br
Iodine I
Astatine At Least non-metallic element
Division of elements into Metals and Non-metals: In the long form of the periodic table,
the elements have been broadly divided into metals and non metals by the zig-zag line funning
diagonally across the periodic table. Those elements which lie on the left hand side of this line are
Metals and those which lie on the right hand side of this line are non metallic. However, the
elements silicon, germanium, arsenicm, antimony and tellurium which lie along the border of this
line show the properties of both metals and non metals. These elements are called semi metals or
metalloids.
The metallic/non metallic character also helps us to predict the nature of oxides formed by the
elements. In general, the oxides of metals are basic while those of non metals are acidic in nature.
An element behaves as a metal or a non-metal is directly related to its ionization energy. The
elements having low values of ionization energies are metals whereas elements having high values
of ionization energies are non-metals.

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Illustration 7
Elements having atomic number 3 to 18 are shown in the form of a table
by using certain letters of the alphabet (These letters are not the usual
symbols of these compound)
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A G
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
B C D F

(a) Which of these is

(i) a noble gas (ii) a halogen
(iii) an alkali metal (iv) an element with valency 4?
(b) Write the formula of the compound formed when A react with F?
(c) Write the electronic configuration of element G?
Solution
(a) (i) G (ii) F (iii) A and B (iv) D
(b) + – – – + –
A  A + e ; F + e  F ; A + F  A F  AF + –

So the formula of the compound formed is AF

(c) G has the atomic number 10. So the electronic arrangement in G is 2,8.

(B) ATOMIC RADII

It refers to the distance between the centre of nucleus of atom to its outer most shell of electrons.
Since absolute value of atomic size cannot be determined, it is expressed in terms of the operational
definitions such as ionic radius, covalent radius, vander waal’s radius and metallic radius.
The absolute value of atomic radius cannot be determined because :
(i) It is not possible to locate the exact position of electrons in an atom as an orbital has no
sharp boundaries.
(ii) It is not possible to isolate an individual atom for its size determination.
(iii) In a group of atoms, the probability distribution of electrons is influenced by the presence
of neighbouring atoms. Thus, size of an atom may change in going from one environment
to other.
However, the value of atomic radii are derived from bond length measured by various
techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, infra-red spectroscopy,
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy etc.

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(a) Variation of atomic radii in a period :

Atomic radii (in picometer) of 2nd and 3rd period elements are given in the table given
below. In a period, atomic radius generally decreases from left to right with increase in
atomic number
2nd period Li Be B C N O F
152 111 88 77 74 66 42

3rd period Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
190 145 118 111 98 88 79
In a period there is a gradual increase in the nuclear charge with increase in atomic
number. Since valence electrons are added in the same shell and the electron in the same
shell do not screen each other from the nucleus, the increase in nuclear charge is not
neutralised by the extra valence electron. As a result effective nuclear charge increases
therefore valence electrons are more and more strongly attracted towards nucleus. This
gradually decrease atomic radii.
Variation of atomic radii in a group :
Atomic radii increases in a group from top to bottom. This can be seen from the data of
atomic radii in picometers given for groups 1 and 17 elements below.

Element (group 1) Atomic Radius Element (group 2) Atomic Radius

Li 155 F 72
Na 190 Cl 99
K 235 Br 114
Rb 248 I 133
In moving down the group the nuclear charge increases with increase in atomic number.
However, while going down in a group from one atom to another the number of inner
shells also increases, although the number of electrons in the outermost shell remains the
same. The effect of increase in the size of the electron cloud (due to increase in number
of shells) is more pronounced than the effect of increased nuclear charge. Thus, the
distance of outermost electron from the nucleus increases as we move down a group.
For example, in lithium the valence electron is present in 2nd shell while in sodium it is
present in 3rd shell. Also, the number of filled shells between valence electron and
nucleus increases. Thus in group 1 Li (2, 1) has one filled shell between its nucleus and
valence electron while Na (2, 8, 1) has two filled shells between them. Both the factors
decrease the force of attraction between nucleus and valence electron. Therefore atomic
size increases on moving down a group.

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Factors influencing atomic radius :

(a) Multiplicity of bond . Covalent radii depends on the multiplicity of bonds. e.g.
Bond length Radius of carbon atom

154
H3C—CH3 154 pm = 77 pm
2

134
H2C = CH2 134 pm = 67 pm
2

120
HC CH 120 pm = 60 pm
2

(b) Percentage of ionic character : Covalent radius of H in HCl, HBr, and HI are different.

(i) Covalent radius : It is defined as half of the distance between two successive nuclei of
two covalent bonded like atoms in a molecule. If the bond length in between the two atoms is
say A-A = d, then

d AA  rA  rB
rA  d A  A
2
Internuclear distance between
two covalently bonded atoms
Covalent radius (rcov) = ½[Internuclear distance between two covalently bonded like atoms] = ½d

(ii) Vander Wall’s radius (rv,waat) . It is defined as one half of the distance between the nuclei of
two non bonded isolated atoms or two adjacent atoms belonging to two neighbouring molecules
of an element in the solid state.

Distance between adjacent atoms belonging

Distance between two to two neighbouring molecules in solid state.
isolated atoms
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In general, vander waals radius > Covalent radius of an atom.

(iii) Metallic radius : It is defined as half the distance between two successive nuclei of two adjacent
metal atoms in the metallic closed packed crystal lattice.
(iv) Ionic Radius : Ionic radius may be defined as the effective distance from the nucleus of the ion
to the point upto which it has an influence in the ionic bond.
When an atom changes into ion, its size changes appreciably.
(a) The radius of cation is smaller than that of the parent atom.
(b) The radius of anion is larger than that of parent atom.
(c) The ions having same number of electrons but different magnitude of nuclear
charge are called iso-electronic ions.
For example, each one of sulphides (S2—), chloride (Cl—), Potassium (K+), and Calcium (Ca2+)
ion has eighteen electrons but they have nuclear charge of +16, +17, +19 and +20 respectively.
Within the series of iso-electronic ions, size of the ions decreases with the increase
in the magnitude of nuclear charge. For example, N3–, O2–, F—, Na+, Mg2+, Al3+ are
iso-electronic and have 10 electrons each. The size of these ions are in the order.
Al3+ < Mg2+ < Na+ < F— < O2— < N3–
NOTE: For isoelectronic Z/e ratio determine atomic radius.
Z 1

e Atomic Radius
The ionic radii of these ions are given in Table below :

Ionic Radii of Some Iso-electronic Ions

Atoms N3- O2- F- Na+ Mg2+ Al3+

Nuclear Charge +7 +8 +9 +11 +12 +13
Size (pm) 1.71 1.40 1.26 0.95 0.65 0.50

1
Atomic Radius 
Effective Nuclear Charge

Atomic Radius  No. of shell

Atomic Radius  Screnning Effect
Atomic Size  Magnitude of –ve charge
1
Atomic Size 
Magnitude of positive Charge
1
Atomic Radius 
Bond Order

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Illustration 8
Give examples of three cations and three anions which are isoelectronic
with Argon.
Solution
Cations : K+ Ca2+ Sc3+
Anions : Cl— S2— P3–

Illustration 9
A given compound A 2 has total dA – A is 1.4 Å. The atomic (covalent)
radius of an atom A is .
(A) 0.7 Å (B) 0.5 Å (C) 2.8Å (D) 7.5 Å
Solution
d AA  rA  rB
rA  d A  A
2

1.4
rA = = 0.7
2

Illustration 10
The following species are isoelectronic with the noble gas neon.
Arrange them in order of increasing size : Na+, F—, O2—, Mg2+, Al3+.
Solution
In Na+, F—, O2-, Mg2+, Al3+, the nuclear charges are 11, 9, 8, 12 and 13
respectively. Among isoelectronic species, greater the nuclear charge smaller is
the size. Therefore, the sizes of the above ionic species are in the order :
Al3+ < Mg2+ < Na+ < F - < O2-.

Illustration 11
Out of Na+ and Na which has smaller size and why?
Solution
Na+ has smaller size than Na : Na+ has one electron less than Na. However,
Na and Na+ have same nuclear charge. Therefore, electrons in Na+ are more
tighty held than in Na. So, removal of one electron from Na leads to complete
removal of the third shell so that in Na+, the outermost shell is second. Hence,
Na+ has smaller size than Na.

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(C) IONISATION ENERGY / IONISATION POTENTIAL

The amount of energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from an
isolated gaseous atom is called ionisation energy.
The process may be represented as :
A (g) + I.E.  A+ + e— I.E.1 / I.P1 H = +ve (endothermic)
Ionisation energy is expressed either in terms of electron volts per atom (eV/atom) or kilo joules
per mole of atoms (kJ/mol).
1 ev per atom = 96.3 kJ mol—1
The ionisation energy defined above is more precisely the first ionisation energy (IE1).

Successive Ionisation energies :

Once the first electron has been removed from the gaseous atom, it is possible to remove second
electron from the monopositive ion.
The amount of energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from the
isolated monopositive ion of the element is called second ionisation energy (IE2). Similarly,
the energy required to remove the outermost electron from isolated dipositive ion is called third
ionisation energy (I.E.3).
A+ (g) + I.E.1  A+(g) + e— I.E.1
+ 2+
A (g) + I.E.2  A (g) + e — I.E.2
A2+ (g) + I.E.3  A3+(g) + e— I.E.3
The second (I.E.2), third (I.E.3), fourth (I.E.4) etc. ionisation energies are collectively known as
successive ionisation energies. It may be noted that :
IE4 > IE3 > IE2 > IE1

Factors on which Ionisation Energy Depends :

1. Atomic Size : I.E. decreases with increases in atomic size.
2. Nuclear Charge : I.E. increases with increase in nuclear charge.
3. Screening Effect of the Inner Electrons : Larger the number of electrons in the inner
shells, greater is the screening effect on the outermost electron and hence lower is the
ionisation energy.
4. Penetration Effect : Penetration power of various sub-shells of a particular energy
level is in the order s > p > d > f. Therefore, for the same shell it is easier to remove an
electron from p-sub-shell than from s-sub-shell. Greater the penetration power, higher
is the I.E.
5. Electronic Configuration : The elements having stable electronic configurations have
relatively higher values of I.E. For example,
(i) The noble gases have stable configuration (ns2np6). They have highest ionisation
energies within their respectively periods.
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(ii) The elements like N(1s2, 2s2, 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1) and P(1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3px1,
3py1, 3pz1) have configurations in which orbitals belonging to same sub-shell
are exactly half-filled. Such configurations are quite stable and consequently,
their ionisation energies are relatively high.
(iii) The elements like Be (1s2, 2s2) and Mg (1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2) have all electrons
paired. Such configurations being stable also result in the higher values of
ionisation energy.

Variation across the period : In general, the value of ionisation energy increases with the
increases in atomic number across a period. This can be attributed to the fact that in moving
across the period, nuclear charge increases and atomic size decreases regularly and hence, the
electrons are more tightly bound to the nucleus.
This trend can be seen in ionization energies (in kJ mol–1) of elements belonging to 2nd and 3rd
periods.
2nd Period Elements
Element Li Be B C N O F Ne
Ionization Energy 520 899 801 1086 1400 1314 1680 2080
3rd Period Elements
Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
Ionization Energy 496 738 578 786 1011 1000 1251 1521

Variation in a group : The value of ionisation energies decreases regularly with the increases in
atomic number of shell and distance from the nucleus along a group.
We have already seen earlier, that the force of attraction between valence electrons and nucleus
decrease in a group from top to bottom because of increase in atomic size due to addition of
inner shells. Moreover, there is increase in shielding effect on outermost (valence) electrons due
to increase in the number of inner electron. As a result,the electron becomes less and less firmly
held to nucleus as we move down the group. Ionization energy decreases in a group from top to
bottom. This can be seen from ioization energy values (in kJ mol–1) of groups 1 and 17 elements
given below :
Group 1 Group 17
Element Ionization Energy Element Ionization Energy
Li 520 F 1680
Na 496 Cl 1251
K 419 Br 1143
Rb 403 I 1009

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1
I.P. 
Atomic Size
I.P.  Effective Nuclear Charge
1
I.P. 
Screening Effect
Note : Half filled and fully filled orbitals have greater ionisation potential.

Illustration 12
Out of Na+ and Ne which has higher ionisation energy? Explain why.
Solution
Na+ has higher ionisation energy than Ne. Na+ and Ne are isoelectronic species.
However, the nuclear charge in Na+ is more than in Ne. Hence, the electrons
are more tightly held in Na+ and it has higher ionisation energy.

Illustration 13
Out of Al+ and Mg+ which has higher I.E.?
OR
Out of Al and Mg which has higher second I.E.?
Solution
In both Al+ and Mg+ the outermost electron is removed from 3s-orbital.
Al+ : 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2
Mg+ : 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 2s1
Al+ has higher I.E. than Mg+ because nuclear charge in Al+ (13 units) in higher
than in Mg+ (12 units). Moreover, Al+ has stable configuration (Fully filled
2s sub-shell).

Illustration 14
(i) How do you think the tendency to lose electrons will change in a
group?
(ii) How will this tendency change in a period ?
Solution
(i) Down the group, the effective nuclear charge experienced by valence electrons
is decreasing because the outermost electrons are farther away from the nucleus.
Therefore, the electrons can be easily lose.
(ii) As the effective nuclear charge acting on the valence shell electrons increases
across a period, the tendency to lose electrons will decrease along the period.

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(D) ELECTRON GAIN ENTHALPY / ELECTRON AFFINITY

Electron Gain Enthalpy may be defined as the amount of energy released when an
electron is added to an isolated gaseous atom of the element.
The process may be expressed as :
A (g) + e–  A–(g) + E.A. H = –ve (exothermic)
The large value of electron reflects the greater tendency of an atom to accept the electron.
Units : The values of electron affinity are expressed either in electron volt per atom or kilo
Joules per mole of atoms.
Factors Affecting Electron gain Enthalpy :
1. Nuclear charge : Greater the magnitude of nuclear charge, larger will be the value of
electron affinity.
2. Atomic size : Larger the size of an atom, smaller will be the value of electron affinity.
3. Electronic configuration. : Stable the electronic configuration of an atom, lesser will
be its tendency to accept the electron and lower will be the value of its electron affinity.
Variation in a period : On moving across the period the atomic size decreases and nuclear
charge increases. Both these factors result into greater attraction for the incoming electron,
therefore, electron affinity, in general, increases in a period from left to right. However,
some irregularities are observed in general trends. These are mainly due to the stable electronic
configurations of certain elements. For example, electron affinities of noble gases like nitrogen,
beryllium and magnesium are negative (regarded as zero) due to their stable electronic
configurations.
Variation along a group : On moving down a group, the atomic size and nuclear charge
increase but the effect of increase in atomic size is much more pronounced that of nuclear charge
and thus the additional electron feels less attraction by the nucleus.
Such trends in its values (in kJ mol–1) for group 1 and group 17 elements are given below.

Group 1 Group 17
Element Electron Affinity Element Electron Affinity
Li 58 F 333
Na 53 Cl 348
K 48 Br 324
Rb 45 I 295

Consequently, electron affinity decreases from top to bottom in a group. However, electron
affinities of elements of the second period are lower than those for the elements of the third
period. This is possibly due to the strong inter electron repulsion forces operating within the
relatively compact 2p-sub-shell.

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Illustration 15
(i) How would the tendency to gain electrons change as you go from
left to right across a period?
(ii) How would the tendency to gain electrons change as you go down
a group?
Solution
As the trends in the electronegativity show, non-metals are found on the right
hand side of the Periodic Table towards the top.
These trends also help us to predict the nature of oxides formed by the elements
because it is known that the oxides of metals are basic and that of non-metals
are acidic in general.

Illustration 16
Arrange F, Cl, Br and I in the decreasing order of their electron gain
enthalpies and give an account for the order assigned.
Solution
The decreasing order of electon affinities is Cl > F > Br > I.
In case of fluorine electron goes to second energy level which is very small in
size and has already seven electrons present in it. Therefore, the added electron
feels some repulsion from the electrons already present in the valence shell. This
neutralises to some extent the attractive force of nucleus on the electron being
added.
On the other hand in chlorine added electron goes to third energy level which is
of larger size. Hence electron affinity of fluorine is less than that of chlorine.
F + e–  F–
1s2, 2s2, 2p5
Cl + e–  Cl—
On the other hand, if we compare the electron affinities of Cl and Br, then
electron affinity of Cl is more than that of Br because Cl atom is smaller in size
and hence effective nuclear charge in Cl is more than in Br. Therefore, added
electron is more strongly attracted in Cl. Similarly, electron affinity of Br is higher
than that of I. So, the overall of electron affinities of halogens is Cl > Br > I.

1
E.A. =
Atomic Size
EA  Zeff.

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Illustration 17
In each of the following sets arrange the elements in the increasing
order of their electron affinities:
(i) C, N, O (ii) O, N, S (iii) S, Cl, Ar (iv) F, Cl, Br
Solution
(i) N < C < O (ii) N < O < S (iii) Ar < S < Cl (iv) Br < F < Cl

(E) ELECTRONEGATIVITY
Electronegativity may be defined as the tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract
towards itself the shared pair of electrons.
The main factors on which the electronegativity depends are effective nuclear charge and atomic
radius.
Electronegativity  Effective Nuclear Charge

1
Electronegativity  
size
Electronegativity have no unit.
In period : electronegativity increases in moving from left to right. This is due to the reason that
nuclear charge increases whereas atomic radius decreases as we move from left to right in a
period. Halogens have the highest value of electronegativity in their respective periods.
2nd Period Elements
Element Li Be B C N O F
Electronegativity 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0

3rd Period Elements

Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
Electronegativity 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.5 3.0
In a group : electronegativity decreases on moving down the group. This is due to the effect of
increased atomic radius.

Group 1 Group 17
Element Electronegativity Element Electronegativity
Li 1.0 F 4.0
Na 0.9 Cl 3.0
K 0.8 Br 2.8
Rb 0.8 I 2.5

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1
E.N. 
Atomic Size
E.N.  % s-character hybridise atom
E.N. Oxidation State
Mn+2 < Mn+4 < Mn+7

1. Fluorine atom has the greatest power of attracting electrons and is the
most electronegative element.
2. Halogens have the highest electronegativities.
3. Non-metals have high electronegativity values in comparison to metals.
4. (N, Cl = 3.0), (C, S, I = 2.5), (Be, Al = 1.5), (P, H = 2.1), (Cs, Fr = 0.7)

5.11 SOME IMPORTANT NOTES :

Based on number of incomplete shells the elements are classified into four types. Inert gases, representative
elements, transition elements and inner transition elements.
(a) General electronic configuration of inert gases (except He) is ns2np6 (outermost shell completely
filled.)
(b) In representative elements,only the outermost shell is incomplete. General electronic configurations
varies from ns1 to ns2 np6.
(c) In transition elements, two outer most shells are incomplete (nth and (n – 1)th). General electronic
configuration is (n – 1) d1 – 10 ns1 – 2.
(d) In inner transition elements, three outer shells are incomplete. General electronic configuration is
(n – 2)f 1–14 (n – 1)d0 – 1 ns2.

Diagonal Relationship :- Certain elements of second period exhibit similarty in properties as shown
by the elements diagonally placed to them in the third row, e.g. This is called diagonal relationship.
Li and Mg; Be and Al; B and Si shows diagonal relationship.
Bridge element
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4

2nd Period Li Be B C

3rd Period Na Mg Al Si
Typical element
This is due to identical ionic radii and polarizing power (i.e., charge/ size ratio of the pairs of these
elements). Elements of second period are known as bridge elements.
Anomalous behaviour of first element of a group.

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The first element of a group exhibits difference in its properties in certain respects from the rest of the
elements of its group. This is due to its small size, high electronegativity and non avaiability of d-electrons.
This anomalous behaviour is shown by the elements of the second row (period) i.e. , Li to F.

Typical Element : These elements represent the properties of other element of respective group.

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SOLVED EXAMPLES
Example 1
Explain why there are only 18 elements in the fifth period.
Solution
The fifth period begins with the filling of 5s orbital and continious fill the filling of sixth energy level (6s)
starts. The sub-shells which follow 5s are, 4d, 5p, 6s ........... Thus, the elements which involve filling of
5s, 4d and 5p, subshells can accept 18 electrons in all, there are 18 elements in the fifth period.

Example 2
Out of Al and Al3+ which has smaller size and why?
Solution
Al3+ is formed by removal of 3 electrons from Al. Thus number of electrons in Al3+, is three less than the
number of electrons in Al whereas both have same nuclear charge. Therefore, electrons are more tightly
held in Al3+, the outer-most shell is second. Hence, Al3+ is smaller in size than Al.
2 2 6 2 1
13Al : 1s , 2s , 2p , 3s , 3px .

Example 3
Arrange Mg, Mg+ and Mg2+ in the increasing order of their sizes. Give explanation for the
order assigned.
Solution
Mg, Mg+ and Mg2+ have same nuclear charge (12 units) however, the number of electrons in them is 12,
11 and 10 respectively. Therefore, Mg2+, having least number of electrons, is the smallest whereas Mg,
having maximum number of electrons, is the largest. The increasing order of their size is :
Mg2+ < Mg+ < Mg

Example 4
How do you explain that 31Ga has slightly higher I.E. than 13Al, although it occupies lower
position in the group?
Solution
2 2 6 2 1
13Al : 1s , 2s , 2p , 3s , 3p
2 2 6 2 6 10 2 1
13Ga : 1s , 2s , 2p , 3s , 3p , 3d , 4s , 4p
In Ga, the 10 electrons present in 3d-sub-shell do not shield the outer electrons from the nucleus effectively.
As a result effective nuclear charge in Ga increases. This explains why I.E. of Ga is slightly more than that
of 13Al.

Example 5
Out of Ca2+, and Ar which has higher ionisation energy ? Explain briefly.
Solution
Ca2+ and Ar are isoelectronic and have 18 electrons each. However, nuclear charge of Ca2+, is 20
whereas that of Ar is 18. Due to higher nuclear charge. electrons in Ca2+ are more tightly held and hence
it has higher ionisation energy than Ar.

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Example 6
Out of aluminium and magnesium which has higher ionisation energy and why?
Solution
Aluminium and magesium belong to same period. Nuclear charge in Al is 13 and in Mg it is 12. So, it is
expected that Al should have higher I.E. than Mg. But if we carefully observe the electronic configurations
of Al and Mg then we find that Mg has stable configuration (Fully filled s-Sub-shell in valence shell) and
hence has higher ionization energy than Al. Moreover in Mg, the electron is removed from 3s-orbital
which, due to high penetration and less shielding by the electrons in the lower orbitals, experiences
stronger force attraction from nucleus as compared with 3p electron of Al. Therefore, Mg has higher
ionisation energy than Al.
2 2 6 2 1
13Al : 1s , 2s , 2p , 3s , 3px
2 2 6 2
12Mg : 1s , 2s , 2p , 3s

Example 7
Out of Al+ and Mg+ which, has higher I.E.?
or
Out of Al and Mg which has higher second I.E.?
Solution
Al+ has higher second I.E. because nuclear charge in Al+ (13 units) is higher than in Mg+ (12 units) and
Al+ has stable configuration (Fully filled 3s sub-shell).

Example 8
Arrange F, Cl, Br and I in the decreasing order of their electron affinities and account for the
order assigned.
Solution
The decreasing order of electron affinities is Cl > F > Br > I.
In case of fluorine added electron goes to second energy electron feels some repulsion from the electrons
already present in the valence shell. On the other hand, in chlorine added electron goes to third level
which is of larger size. Hence, electron affinity of fluorine is less than that of chlorine.
F + e—  F—
Cl + e—  Cl-
on the other hand, if we compare the electron affinities of Cl and Br then electron affinity of Cl is more
than that of Br because Cl atom is smaller in size and hence effective nuclear charge in Cl is more than in
Br. Therefore, added electron is more strongly attracted in Cl. Similarly, electron affinity of Br is higher
than that of I. So, the overall order of electron affinities of halogens is Cl > F > Br > I.

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Example 9
Explain why electron affinities of noble gases are zero.
Solution
All noble gases have ns2np6 valence shell configuration (except helium where it is 1s2). In the valence
shell of noble gases s and p sub-shells are fully filled, therefore, these configurations are highly stable.
Hence, noble gases do not have any tendency to accept more electrons because this would disturb their
stable configuration. Hence, electron affinities of noble gases are zero.

Example 10
Given on the side is a part of the periodic table. As we move vertically downward from Li to Fr
(a) What happens to the size of the atom from Li to Fr.
(b) What happens to their metallic character?
Solution
(a) When we move vertically downward from Li to Fr the atomic size increases, i.e. Fr is the biggest
atom.
(b) The metallic character increases i.e Fr is the most metallic element (Tendency of large electrons)

Example 11
Given below is a part of the periodic table
Li Be B l N O F
Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
As we move horizontally from left to right
(a) What happens to the metallic character of the elements?
(b) What happens to the atomic size?
Solution
(a) When we move horizontally from left to right, the metallic character decreases.
(b) When we move horizontally from left to right, the atomic size decreases.

Example 12
Element (X) forms a chloride with the formula XCl2, Which is a solid with high melting
point. (X) would most likely be in the same group of the periodic table as
(a) Na (b) Mg (c) Al (d) Si (e) P
Solution
The element (X) should have last two electrons to form XCl2. So (X) belongs to group 2. Therefore, the
element (X) lies in the same group as magnesium (Mg). So the answer (b) is correct.

Example 13
How do the electronic structures of the atoms relate to their position in the modern periodic
table?
Solution
In the modern periodic table, the period describes the number of electronic shells in the atom and the last
entering electrons in the outer most sub-shell denote the group. So the location of any element in the
periodic table is related to their position/location in the periodic table.
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[NCERT Questions]

Q.1 Did Dobereiner's triads also exist in the columns of Newlands' Octaves? Compare and find
out.
Ans. Only one triad of Dobereiner's triads exists in the columns of Newlands' octaves. The triad formed by
the elements Li, Na, and K of Dobereiner's triads also occurred in the columns of Newlands' octaves.
Dobereiner's triads
Li Ca Cl
Na Sr Br
K Ba I
Newlands' octaves
H Li Be B C N O
F Na Mg Al Si P S
Cl K Ca Cr Ti Mn Fe
Co and Ni Cu Zn Y In As Se
Br Rb Sr Ce and La Zr  

Q.2 What were the limitations of Dobereiner's classification?

Ans. Limitation of Dobereiner's classification:
All known elements could not be classified into groups of triads on the basis of their properties.

Q.3 What were the limitations of Newlands' Law of Octaves?

Ans. Limitations of Newlands' law of octaves:
(i) It was not applicable throughout the arrangements. It was applicable up to calcium only. The
properties of the elements listed after calcium showed no resemblance to the properties of the
elements above them.
(ii) Those elements that were discovered after Newlands' octaves did not follow the law of octaves.
(iii) The position of cobalt and nickel in the group of the elements (F, Cl) of different properties could
not be explained.
(iv) Placing of iron far away from cobalt and nickel, which have similar properties as iron, could also
not be explained.

Q.4 Use Mendeleev's Periodic Table to predict the formulae for the oxides of the following elements:
K, C, Al, Si, Ba.
Ans. K is in group 1. Therefore, the oxide will be K2O.
C is in group 4. Therefore, the oxide will be CO2.
Al is in group 3. Therefore, the oxide will be Al2O3.
Si is in group 4. Therefore, the oxide will be SiO2.
Ba is in group 2. Therefore, the oxide will be BaO.

Q.5 Besides gallium, which other elements have since been discovered that were left by Mendeleev
in his Periodic Table? (any two)
Ans. Scandium and germanium
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Q.6 What were the criteria used by Mendeleev in creating his Periodic Table?
Ans. Mendeleev's periodic table was based on the observation that the properties of elements are a periodic
function of their atomic masses. This means that if elements are arranged in the increasing order of their
atomic masses, then their properties get repeated after regular intervals.

Q.7 Why do you think the noble gases are placed in a separate group?
Ans. Noble gases are inert elements. Their properties are different from the all other elements. Therefore, the
noble gases are placed in a separate group.

Q.8 How could the Modern Periodic Table remove various anomalies of Mendeleev's Periodic
Table?
Ans. Mendeleev was unable to give fixed position to hydrogen and isotopes in the periodic table. In Mendeleev's
periodic table, the increasing manner of atomic mass of the elements is not always regular from one to its
next. It was believed that a more fundamental property than atomic mass could explain periodic properties
in a better manner.
It was Henry Moseley who demonstrated that atomic number of an element could explain periodic
properties in a better way than atomic mass of an element and arranged the elements in increasing order
of their atomic numbers. Then it was found that the various anomalies of Mendeleev's periodic table
were removed by the modern periodic table.

Q.9 Name two elements you would expect to show chemical reactions similar to magnesium. What
is the basis for your choice?
Ans. Calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr) are expected to show chemical reactions similar to magnesium (Mg).
This is because the number of valence electrons (2) is same in all these three elements. And since
chemical properties are due to valence electrons, they show same chemical reactions.

Q.10 Name
(a) three elements that have a single electron in their outermost shells.
(b) two elements that have two electrons in their outermost shells.
(c) three elements with filled outermost shells.
Ans. (a) Lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) have a single electron in their outermost shells.
(b) Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) have two electrons in their outermost shells.
(c) Neon (Ne), argon (Ar), and xenon (Xe) have filled outermost shells.

Q.11 (a) Lithium, sodium, potassium are all metals that react with water to liberate hydrogen
gas. Is there any similarity in the atoms of these elements?
(b) Helium is an unreactive gas and neon is a gas of extremely low reactivity. What do
their atoms have in common?
Ans. (a) Yes. The atoms of all the three elements lithium, sodium, and potassium have one electron in their
outermost shells.
(b) Both helium (He) and neon (Ne) have filled outermost shells. Helium has a duplet in its K shell,
while neon has an octet in its L shell.

Q.12 In the Modern Periodic Table, which are the metals among the first ten elements?
Ans. Among the first ten elements, lithium (Li) and beryllium (Be) are metals.

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Q.13 By considering their position in the Periodic Table, which one of the following elements would
you expect to have maximum metallic characteristic?
Ga, Ge, As, Se, Be
Ans. Since Be lies to the extreme left hand side of the periodic table, Be is the most metallic among the given
elements.

Q.14 Which of the following statements is not a correct statement about the trends when going from
left to right across the periods of periodic Table.
(a) The elements become less metallic in nature.
(b) The number of valence electrons increases.
(c) The atoms lose their electrons more easily.
(d) The oxides become more acidic.
Ans. (c) The atoms lose their electrons more easily.
(On moving from left to right across the periods of the periodic table, ionisation potential increases.
Hence, the tendency to lose electrons decreases.)

Q.15 Element X forms a chloride with the formula XCl2, which is a solid with a high melting point.
X would most likely be in the same group of the Periodic Table as
(a) Na (b) Mg (c) Al (d) Si
Ans. (b) X would most likely be in the same group of the Periodic Table as magnesium (Mg).

Q.16 Which element has

(a) two shells, both of which are completely filled with electrons?
(b) the electronic configuration 2, 8, 2?
(c) a total of three shells, with four electrons in its valence shell?
(d) a total of two shells, with three electrons in its valence shell?
(e) twice as many electrons in its second shell as in its first shell?
Ans. (a) Neon has two shells, both of which are completely filled with electrons (2 electrons in K shell
and 8 electrons in L shell).
(b) Magnesium has the electronic configuration 2, 8, 2.
(c) Silicon has a total of three shells, with four electrons in its valence shell (2 electrons in K shell,
8 electrons in L shell and 4 electrons in M shell).
(d) Boron has a total of two shells, with three electrons in its valence shell (2 electrons in K shell and
3 electrons in L shell).
(e) Carbon has twice as many electrons in its second shell as in its first shell (2 electrons in K shell
and 4 electrons in L shell).

Q.17 (a) What property do all elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as boron have
in common?
(b) What property do all elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as fluorine
have in common?
Ans. (a) All the elements in the same column as boron have the same number of valence electrons (3).
Hence, they all have valency equal to 3.
(b) All the elements in the same column as fluorine have the same number of valence electrons (7).
Hence, they all have valency equal to 1.

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Q.18 An atom has electronic configuration 2, 8, 7.

(a) What is the atomic number of this element?
(b) To which of the following elements would it be chemically similar? (Atomic numbers are
given in parentheses.)
N(7) F(9) P(15) Ar(18)
Ans. (a) The atomic number of this element is 17.
(b) It would be chemically similar to F(9) with configuration as 2, 7.

Q.19 The position of three elements A, B and C in the Periodic Table are shown below ?

Group 16 Group 17
 
 A
 
B C

(a) State whether A is a metal or non-metal.

(b) State whether C is more reactive or less reactive than A.
(c) Will C be larger or smaller in size than B?
(d) Which type of ion, cation or anion, will be formed by element A?
Ans. (a) A is a non-metal.
(b) C is less reactive than A, as reactivity decreases down the group in halogens.
(c) C will be smaller in size than B as moving across a period, the nuclear charge increases and
therefore, electrons come closer to the nucleus.
(d) A will form an anion as it accepts an electron to complete its octet.

Q.20 Nitrogen (atomic number 7) and phosphorus (atomic number 15) belong to group 15 of the
Periodic Table. Write the electronic configuration of these two elements. Which of these will
be more electronegative? Why?

Ans. Element K L M
Nitrogen 2 5
Phosphorus 2 8 5

Nitrogen is more electronegative than phosphorus. On moving down a group, the number of shell increases.
Therefore, the valence electrons move away from the nucleus and the effective nuclear charge decreases.
This causes the decrease in the tendency to attract electron and hence electronegativity decreases.

Q.21 How does the electronic configuration of an atom relate to its position in the Modern Periodic
Table?
Ans. In the modern periodic table, atoms with similar electronic configurations are placed in the same column.
In a group, the number of valence electrons remain the same. Elements across a period show an increase
in the number of valence electrons.

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Q.22 In the Modern Periodic Table, calcium (atomic number 20) is surrounded by elements with
atomic numbers 12, 19, 21 and 38. Which of these have physical and chemical properties
resembling calcium?
Ans. The element with atomic number 12 has same chemical properties as that of calcium. This is because
both of them have same number of valence electrons (2).

Q.23 Compare and contrast the arrangement of elements in Mendeleev's periodic Table and the
Modern Periodic Table.

Ans. S.No. Mendeleev’s Periodic Table S.No. Modern Periodic Table

1 Elements are arranged in the increasing 1 Elements are arranged in the increasing
order of their atomic masses. order of their atomic numbers.
2 There are a total of 7 groups (columns) 2 There are a total of 18 groups (columns)
and 6 periods (rows). and 7 periods (rows).
3 Elements having similar properties were 3 Elements having the same valence shell are
placed directly under one another. present in the same period while elements
having the same number of valence electrons
are present in the same group.
4 The position of hydrogen could not be 4 Hydrogen is placed above alkali metals.
explained.
5 No distinguishing positions for metals 5 Metals are present at the left hand side of
and non-metals. the periodic table whereas non-metals are
present at the right hand side.

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[Previous Year Questions]

SECTION - A

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (ONE CORRECT ANSWER) :

Q.1 Which of the following statements is not a correct statement about the trends when going from left to
right across the periods of the periodic table ?
(A) The element become less metallic in nature
(B) The number of valence electron increases
(C) The atoms lose their electrons more easily
(D) The oxides become more acidic

Q.2 The electronic configuration of the atom of an element X is 2, 8, 4. In modern periodic table, the element
X is placed in :
(A) 2nd group (B) 4th group (C) 14th group (D) 8th group

Q.3 Which of the following element does not lose an electron easily ?
(A) Na (B) F (C) Mg (D) Al

Q.4 An element which is an essential constituent of all organic compounds belongs to following group of
modern periodic table
(A) group 4 (B) group 14 (C) group 15 (D) group 16

Q.5 On moving from left to right in a period of the periodic table, the atomic number of elements increases.
What happens to the size of atoms of element on moving from left to right in a period?
(A) increases (B) decreases
(C) remains the same (D) first increases then decreases

Q.6 Which of the following set of elements is written correctly in the order of their increasing metallic character?
(A) Mg, Al, Si (B) C, O, N (C) Na, Li, K (D) Be, Mg, Ca

Q.7 In Mendeleev’s periodic table, gap was not left for one of the following elements. This element is:
(A) gallium (B) beryllium (C) germanium (D) scandium

Q.8 The Newland’s law of octaves for the classification of elements was found to be applicable only up to the
element
(A) potassium (B) calcium (C) cobalt (D) phosphorus

Q.9 The three elements having chemical symbols of Si, B and Ge are
(A) all metals (B) all non-metals
(C) all metalloids (D) Si is metalloid, B is metal and Ge is non-metal

Q.10 An element X forms an oxide X2O3. In which group of Mendeev’s periodic table is this element placed?
(A) group I (B) group II (C) group V (D) group VIII

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SECTION -B

VERY SHORT ANSWSER TYPE QUESTIONS [1 Mark]

Q.1 Lithium, sodium and potassium form a Dobereiner’s triad. The atomic mass of lithium and potassium are
7 and 39 respectively. Predict the atomic mass of sodium.
Ans. Atomic mass of sodium will be the average of atomic mass of lithium and potassium, i.e., Atomic mass of
7  39 46
sodium = = = 23. It is very near to the actual atomic mass of sodium which is 22.9894.
2 2

Q.2 Calcium, Strontium and Barium form a Dobereiner’s triad. The atomic masses of Calcium and Barium
are 40 and 137 respectively. Predict the atomic mass of strontium.
Ans. Atomic mass of Strontium will be the average of atomic mass of Calcium and Barium, i.e.,
Atomic mass of Calcium  Atomic mass of Barium.
Atomic mass of Strontium =
2
40  137
= = 88. 5
2

Q.3 Is it possible to have an element with atomic number 1.5 placed between hydrogen and helium?
Ans. No, it is not possible because the atomic numbers of elements are always in whole numbers.

Q.4 A metal M forms an oxide having the formula M2O3. It belongs to 3rd period in the Modern Periodic
table . Write the atomic number and valency of the metal.
Ans. Atomic number of the element (metal) is 13 and valency of the metal is three.

Q.5 State modern periodic law of classification of elements.

Ans. Properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.

Q.6 State modern periodic law on which side of the periodic table do you find (i) metals (ii) non-metal?
Ans. Modern periodic law : “The properties of elements are the periodic function of their atomic number”.
Metals are placed on the left side while non-metals are placed on the right side of the periodic table.

Q.7 How many triads were identified by Dobereiner ? Name any one of them. [CBSE-2012]
Ans. Three triads were identified by Dobereiner. One such triad was of lithium, sodium and potassium.

Q.8 Give any one characteristic of Dobereiner triads. [CBSE-2010]

Ans. Atomic mass of the middle element was roughly the average of the atomic masses of other two elements.

Q.9 Give any one limitation of Dobereiner classification. [CBSE-2011]

Ans. He could identify only three triads from the elements known at that time.

Q.10 Name any two pair of elements which were adjusted by Newland in the same slot. [CBSE-2011]
Ans. (i) Cobalt and nickel (ii) Cerium and lanthanum

Q.11 Define Newland’s law of Octaves.

Ans. The properties of every eighth element is similar to that of the first element
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Q.12 Name any two elements which were discovered later after. M endeleev’s periodic table. [CBSE-2011]
Ans. Gallium and germanium.

Q.13 The electronic configuration of an element is 2, 8, 7. Identify whether it is a metal or non-metal? Also,
name the element. [CBSE-2012]
Ans. It is a non-metal. It is chlorine.

Q.14 Atomic radius of hydrogen is 37 pm. Express it in metre. [CBSE-2012]

Ans. 3.7 × 10–11 m (1 pm = 10–12 m).

Q.15 How atomic size vary in a group and in a period? [CBSE-2012]

Ans. Atomic size increases in a group and decreases in a period.

Q.16 In which part of the periodic table we can look for metalloids. On which side of these we can get
non-metals ? [CBSE-2012]
Ans. (a) Metalloids are present in between metals and non-metals on the right hand side of the periodic
table.
(b) Non-metals are present on the right hand side.

Q.17 What is the significance of knowing position of element in the periodic table ? [CBSE-2012]
Ans. The position of an element in the periodic table tells us about its chemical reactivity.

SHORT ANSWSER TYPE QUESTIONS [2 Marks]

Q.1 Atomic number is considered to be a more appropriate parameter than atomic mass for classification of
elements in a periodic table. Why ?
How does metallic character of elements vary on moving from :
(i) left to right in a period
(ii) from top to bottom in a group
Ans. The properties of the elements could be predicted more precisely when elements are arranged on the
basis of increasing atomic number. The atomic number is equal to the number of protons and which are
equal to the number of electrons. It is the number of electrons which decide the properties of the element.
(i) Decreases : This is due to an increase in nuclear charge which tends to pull the electrons closer
to the nucleus and reduce the size of the atom
(ii) Increases : This is because new shells are being added as we go down the group. It increases
the distance between the nucleus and the valence shell.

Q.2 Study the variation in the atomic radii of first group elements given below and arrange tem in a increasing order.
(i) Name the elements which have the smallest and the largest atoms
Group I elements Na Li Rb Cs K
Atomic radius (pm) 861 152 244 262 231
(ii) How does the atomic size vary as you go down a group ?
Ans. (i) The element having the smallest atom is lithium (Atomic radius is 152 pm) while the element
having the largest atom is cesium (Atomic radius is 262 pm)
(ii) The atomic size increases while going down a group because new shells are being added at each
step

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Q.3 State the positions of (i) isotopes of the same element and (ii) hydrogen in the modern periodic table.
[CBSE-2012]
Ans. (i) Position of isotopes in the same slot
(ii) Hydrogen in the first group and first period.

Q.4 How does (a) metallic character and (a) atomic size vary :
(i) in a group (ii) a period ? [CBSE-2012]
Ans. (a) Metallic character : In a group : Increases from top to bottom
In a period : Decreases from left to right
(b) Atomic size : In a group : Increases from top to bottom
In a period : Decreases from left to right.

Q.5 Arrange the following elements in the descending order of atomic size and give a reason for your answer.
Mg, Cl, P, Ar (Atomic number of elements are : 12, 17, 15, 18) [CBSE-2012]
Ans. Descending order of atomic size :
Mg P Cl Ar
Reason : They all belong to the same period and in a period, atomic size decreases due to the increases
in the nuclear charge.

Q.6 “Elements in periodic table show periodicity of properties.” List any four such properties.
[CBSE-2012, 2013]
Ans. (i) Atomic size (ii) Valency or combining capacity
(iii) Metallic character (iv) Non-metallic character

Q.7 State modern periodic law. What are vertical columns and horizontal rows in a periodic table known as ?
[Delhi-2013]
Ans. Moder periodic law : “Properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic number.”
In modern periodic table, there are :
(i) 18 vertical columns called GROUPS. (ii) 7 horizontal rows called PERIODS.

Q.8 Na, Mg, Al and P belong to 3rd period but are placed in first, second, thirteenth and fifteenth group.
Number of shells occupied in Mg is three. What is the number of occupied shells in Na, Al and P. Give
reason for your answer. [CBSE-2013]
Ans. It is three in Na, Al and P. Elements with the same number of occupied shells are placed in same period.

Q.9 The elements of third period are given below :

Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl
(a) which is more metallic, S or Cl and why ?
(b) which has higher atomic mass, Al or C ?
(c) which is more electronegative, S or Cl and why ?
Ans. (a) Metallic character (electropositive character) decreases on moving from left to right in a period.
This is because as the nuclear charge increases in a period, it becomes more difficult for the
atoms to lose electrons, i.e., they become less electropositive. Hence, sulphur is more metallic
than chlorine.
(b) Chlorine has higher atomic mass than that of aluminium
(c) Electronegative character (non-metallic character) increases with increase in atomic number in a
period. Due to increased nuclear charge in a period, it becomes easier for the atoms to gain
electrons and they become more electronegative. Hence, chlorine is more electronegative than
sulphur.
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LONG ANSWSER TYPE QUESTIONS [3 Marks]

Q.1 (a) What is meant by periodicity in properties of elements with reference to the periodic table ?
(b) Why do all the elements of the same group have similar properties?
(c) How will the tendency to gain electrons change as we go from left to right across a period?
Why ? [Delhi-2013]
Ans. (a) Recurrence of similar properties of elements after certain fixed interval of atomic number.
(b) They have similar properties because.
(i) They all have same number of valence electrons.
(ii) They all have same valency.
(c) The tendency to gain electrons increases due to increase in the nuclear charge. Due to this,
atomic size decreases and a large number of valence electrons are held towards the nucleus and
tendency to gain electrons increases.

Q.2 What physical and chemical properties of elements were used by Mendeleev in creating his periodic
table? List two observations which posed a challenge to Mendeleev’s Periodic Law. [Delhi-2013]
Ans. Among physical properties, elements were arranged on the basis of their atomic mass.
Among chemical properties, Mendeleev, Concentrated on the compounds formed by element with oxygen
and hydrogen.
Two observation which posed a challenge to Mendeleev’s periodic Law:
(i) Isotopes of all elements, as they could not be accommodated in the periodic table
(ii) Atomic massess do not increase in a regular manner in going from one element to the next.

Q.3 The position of four element A, B, C and D is the periodic table are shown below :
Group–I Group-17
.................................
................................. .................B................
...............D.............. ....................................
.................................. ....................................
.................................. ....................................
..................A.............. ...................C..............
(a) Name most electronegative element.
(b) Name most reactive metal.
(c) State whether B is a metal or a non-metal
(d) Which one of the given element is expected to have largest atomic radius ?
(e) How many electrons are present in the outermost shell of elements B and C ?
(f) What will be the nature of the bond formed between D and B ?
Ans. (a) Most electronegative element -B
(b) Most reactive metal - A
(c) B is a non - metal
(d) A has largest atomic radius
(e) No. of valence electron in B and C - 7 electrons
(f) Nature of bond between D and B - ionic / electrovalent.

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Q.4 From the part of a periodic table, answer the following questions :
1 2 13 14 15 16 17
Lithium Carbon Oxygen Fluorine
X P Q
Y R
Z T
(a) Which is the most reactive metal ?
(b) Name the family of fluorine Q, R, T
(c) Name one element each of group 2 and 15
(d) Give the name of the element P placed below carbon
(e) Compare X and P with respect to size of atoms [CBSE-2012]
Ans. (a) Z (Reactivity increases downwards in a metallic group)
(b) Halogen
(c) Group 2 : Beryllium, magnesium.
Group 15 : Nitrogen, phosphorus.
(d) Silicon
(e) Size of X is bigger than P because atomic size decreases in a period.

Q.5 (a) How does the tendency to gain electrons change as we go down a group ? Give reason.
(b) Given below is a part of the periodic table. How does the valency vary, as we move vertically
downward from Li to Fr ? Given reason [CBSE-2012]

Li Be
Na
K
Rb
Cs
Fr Ra

Ans. (a) Tendency to gain electrons decreases down a group because of decrease in the nuclear charge
(b) Valency remains same in the group because in a group valence electrons remain the same.

Q.6 What are metalloids ? Name four metalloids. [CBSE-2012, Delhi-2013]

Ans. The borderline elements present between metals and non-metals having properties in-between metals
and non-metals are called metalloids or semi-metals.
Examples :
(i) Boron (B) (ii) Silicon (Si) (iii) Germanium (Ge)
(iv) Arsenic (As) (v) Antimony (Sb) (vi) Tellurium (Te)
(vii) Polonium (Po) (any four)

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Q.7 An element A on combining with oxygen produces an oxide A2O which is basic in nature. Now answer
the following questions :
(i) How many electrons must be there in the outermost shell of the element A?
(ii) To which group of periodic table it belongs?
(iii) Identify whether it is a metal or a non-metal?
Ans. (i) A forms A2O, means 2 electrons are given to oxygen atom by 2 atoms of A. So each A atom has
1 electron in its outermost shell.
(ii) A belongs to I-group of periodic table.
(iii) A is a metal.

Q.8 (a) What property do all elements in the same column of the periodic table as boron have in common?
(b) What property do all elements in the same column of the periodic table as fluorine have in
common?
Ans. (a) All the elements of 12th group in which boron in present have 3 electrons in their valence shell.
(b) Fluorine belongs to 17th group. All elements of this group have 7 electrons in their valence shell

VERY LONG ANSWSER TYPE QUESTIONS [5 Marks]

Q.1 (a) Which two criteria did Mendeleev use to classify the elements in his periodic table ?
(b) State Mendeleev’s periodic law.
(c) Why could no fixed position be given to hydrogen in Mendeleev’s periodic table ?
(d) How and why does the atomic size vary as you go :
(i) from left to right along a period ?
(ii) down a group ?
Or
(a) Why did Mendeleev have gaps in his periodic table ?
(b) State any three limitations of Mendeleev’s classification .
(c) How do electronic configurations of atoms change in a period with increase in atomic number?
Ans. (a) Two criteria used by Mendeleev to classify the elements in his periodic table were:
(i) Atomic mass.
(ii) Chemical properties, i.e., reaction with oxygen and hydrogen.
(b) Mendeleev’s periodic law states that ‘properties of the elements are periodic functions of their
atomic masses.’
(c) No fixed position could be given to hydrogen in Mendeleev’s periodic table because it resembles
its properties both with alkali metals i.e., Li, Na, k, etc. and Halogens i.e., F, Cl, Br, etc.
(d) (i) From left to right along a period, atomic size decreases with the increase in electrons in
the same shell hence the increase in effective nuclear charge.
(ii) Down a group, atomic size increase in with the increase in number of shells getting
precedence over the nulcear charge.

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Or
(a) Mendeleev had gaps in his periodic table for the element to be discovered in future.
Mendeleev didn’t see them as defects but boldly predicted their presence.
(b) Three limitations of Mendeleev’s classification are :
(i) Anamolous pairs : Mendeleev’s couldn’t explain the presence of anamolous pairs in
which an element with more atomic mass preceed the element with lower atomic mass,
e.g., Co and Ni.
(ii) Position of lsotopes : Though, Mendeleev’s periodic table was based upon atomic
mass yet, no separate position were there for different isotopes of element (having different
masses but same atomic number).
(iii) Position of Hydrogen : There was no fixed position of hydrogen since its properties
resemble both with Group I elements and Group VII elements.
(c) With the increase in atomic number in a period, an electron is added successively increasing
from 1 to 8 to the outermost (valence) shell. While in a period, the number of shells remain the
same.

Q.2 The atomic radii of the element of second period are given below :

Second period elements B Be O N Li F C

Atomic Radii (pm) 88 111 66 74 152 64 77

(i) Arrange these elements in decreasing order of their atomic radii.

(ii) Are the elements now arranged in the pattern of a period in the periodic table ?
(iii) Name the element which has the (a) largest and (b) smallest atomic number.
(iv) From the above data, explain how the atomic size or atomic radius of the elements change as we
go from left to right in a period.
(v) Name one metal, one non-metal and a metalloid out of these elements.
(vi) Why does atomic radius decreases as we move from left to right in a period ?
[CBSE-2012]
Ans. (i) Li Be Be C N O F
152 111 88 77 74 66 64
(ii) Yes, the elements are now arranged in the pattern of a period of periodic table.
(iii) (a) Li has the smallest atomic number.
(b) F has the largest atomic number.
(iv) Atomic radius decreases on moving from left to right in a period of the periodic table
(v) Metal : Li, Non-metal : C, Metalloid : B
(vi) Force of attraction for the outermost electrons increases because of increase in nuclear charge.

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Q.3 (a) State the Modern Periodic Law. How have the elements been arranged in the modem periodic
table? Why is it considered that the position of hydrogen in the periodic table is anomalous ?
(b) An element X(2, 8, 2) combines separately with NO3¯ and (PO4)3– radicals. Write the formulae
of the compounds so formed. To which group of the periodic table does the element 'X' belong?
Will it form covalent or ionic compounds with these redicals ? How? [CBSE-2012]
Ans. (a) Modern Periodic Law Properties of elements (both physical and chemical) are the periodic
function of their atomic number.
In increasing order of atomic number because hydrogen can be placed in group 1 with alkali
metals as well as with halogens in 17th group.
(b) Three compounds formed :
X (NO3)2 X3(PO4)2
X belongs to 2nd group.
X will form ionic compounds because it is a metal and the radicals are of non-metals.

Q.4 Atoms of seven elements A, B, C, D, E, F and G have a different number of electronic shells but have the
same number of electrons in their outermost shells. The elements A and C combine with chlorine to form
an acid and common salt respectively. The oxide of element A is liquid at room temperature and is a
neutral substance, while the oxides of the remaining six elements are basic in nature. Based on the above
information answer the following questions : [A.I. 2010]
(i) What could the element A be 7
(ii) Will elements A to G belong to the same period or same group of the periodic table 7
(iii) Write the formula of the compound formed by the reaction of the element A with oxygen.
(iv) Show the formation of the compound by a combination of element C with chlorine with the help
of electronic structure.
(v) What would be the ratio of number of combining atoms in a compound formed by the combination
of element A with Carbon ?
(vi) Which one of the given elements is likely to have the smallest atomic radius.

Ans. (i) Hydrogen

(ii) Same group
(iii) A2O/H2O
(iv) C Cl C+ [ Cl ]¯
(v) 4:1
(vi) A

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Q.1 Elements which occupied position in the lother meyer curve, on the peaks, were -
(A) Alkali metals (B) Highly electro positive elements
(C) Elements having large atomic volume (D) All

Q.2 Modern periodic table is based on atomic no. experiments which proved importance of at no. was -
(A) Braggs work on X-ray diffraction
(B) Moseleys work on X-ray spectrum
(C) Mulliken’s oil drop experiment
(D) Lother meyer curve plotted between at vol. & at wt.

Q.3 The elements of groups, 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are collectively called -
(A) Noble gases (B) Representative or normal elements
(C) Transition elements (D) Inner transition elements

Q.4 The discovery of which of the following group of elements gave a death blow to the Newlands Law -
(A) Inert gases (B) Alkali metals (C) Transuranic element (D) Halogens

Q.5 There are 10 neutrons in the nucleus of the element zM19. It belongs to -
(A) f-block (B) s-block (C) d-block (D) None of these

Q.6 For Rb(Z = 37), points out the number of electrons present in L and N shells respectively -
(A) 8 and 18 (B) 18 and 8 (C) 8 and 8 (D) 2 and 8

Q.7 Z/e ratio for N3–, O2– and F¯ respectively will be -

(A) 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9 (B) 0.9, 0.8 and 0.7 (C) 7, 8 and 9 (D) 9, 8 and 7

Q.8 The ionic radii of N3–, O2– and F– are respectively given by -
(A) 1.36, 1.40, 1.71 (B) 1.36, 1.71, 1.40
(C) 1.71, 1.40, 1.36 (D) 1.71, 1.36, 1.40

Q.9 Which of the following has largest radius -

(A) 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2 (B) 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p1
(C) 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p3 (D) 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p5

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Q.10 The correct order of stability of Al+, Al+2, Al+3 is-

(A) Al+3 > Al+2 > Al+ (B) Al+2 > Al+3 > Al+
(C) Al+2 < Al+ > Al+3 (D) Al+3 > Al+ > Al+2

Q.11 Highest ionisation potential in a period is shown by -

(A) Alkali metals (B) Noble gases
(C) Halogens (D) Representative elements

Q.12 Electron addition would be easier in -

(A) O (B) O+ (C) O– (D) O+2

Q.13 Which of the following process energy is liberated -

(A) Cl  Cl+ + e– (B) HCl  H+ + Cl– (C) Cl + e–  Cl– (D) O– + e–  O–2

Q.14 Outermost electronic configuration of the most electronegative element is -

(A) ns2np3 (B) ns2np6 (C) ns2 (D) ns2np5

Q.15 Which one of the following is incorrect ?

(A) An element which has high electronegativity always has high electron gain enthalpy
(B) Electron gain enthalpy is the property of an isolated atom
(C) Electronegativity is the property of a bonded atom
(D) Both electronegativity and electron gain enthalpy are usually directly related to nuclear charge
and inversely related to atomic size

1 2 3 4 5
Q.16 H C  C C H  C H  C H 3 Which carbon atom will show minimum electronegativity -
(A) Fifth (B) Third (C) First (D) Second

Q.17 The ionistion energy of B and Al as compared to Be and Mg are -

(A) Lower (B) Higher (C) Equal (D) None of these

Q.18 Which of the following transitions involve maximum amount of energy -

–  M
(A) M(g) (B) M(g)  M+(g) (C) M+(g)  M2+ (D) M2+ 3+
(g) (g) (g)  M (g)

Q.19 The correct values of ionization enthalpies (in kJ mol–1) of Si, P, Cl and S respectively are -
(A) 786, 1012, 999, 1256 (B) 1012, 786, 999, 1256
(C) 786, 1012, 1256, 999 (D) 786, 999, 1012, 1256

Q.20 The correct order of electron affinity of B, C, N, O is -

(A) O > C > N > B (B) B > N > C > O
(C) O > C > B > N (D) O > B > C > N
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Q.21 Adding electron a neutral gaseous atom usually leads to -

(i) Liberation of energy (ii) Formation of anion
(iii) Proton/electron ratio decrease (iv) Proton/electron ratio increase
Code in -
(A) (i), (iv) (B) (ii), (iii), (iv) (C) (i), (ii), (iv) (D) (i), (ii), (iii)

Q.22 The correct set of decreasing order of electronegativity is -

(A) Li, H, Na (B) Na, H, Li (C) H, Li, Na (D) Li, Na, H

Q.23 Arrange F, C, O, N in the decreasing order of electronegativity -

(A) O > F > N > C (B) F > N > C > O
(C) C > F > N > O (D) F > O > N > C

Q.24 Sodium forms Na+ ion but it does not form Na+2 because -
(A) Very low value of IE1 and IE2
(B) Very high value of IE1 and IE2
(C) Low value of IE1 and low value of IE2
(D) Low value of IE1 and high value of IE2

Q.25 Match the following lists and select the correct answer -
List-I List-II
(a) d-block element i. 1s ,2s22s6,3s23p6,4s1
2

(b) Halogen ii. 1s2,2s22p6,3s23p6

(c) Alkali metal iii. 1s2,2s22p6,3s23p63d6,4s2
(d) Noble gas iv. 1s2,2s22p5
Code :
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(A) i ii iii iv
(B) iii iv i ii
(C) i iii ii iv
(D) ii iv iii i

Q.26 Which one of the following groups represent a collection of isoelectronic species ?
(At. no. Cs = 55, Br = 35) [AIEEE-2003]
(A) N3–, F–, Na+ (B) Be, Al3+, Cl– (C) Ca2+, Cs+, Br (D) Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+
Q.27 Which one of the following sets of ions represent the collection of isoelectronic species ?
[AIEEE-2004]
(A) K+, Cl–, Mg2+, Sc3+ (B) Na+, Ca2+, Sc3+, F–
(C) K+, Ca2+, Sc3+, Cl– (D) Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, Cl–

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Q.28 Which one of the following ions has the highest value of ionic radius ? [AIEEE-2004]
(A) O2– (B) B3+ (C) Li+ (D) F–

Q.29 The increasing order of the ionic radii of the given isoelectronic species is- [AIEEE-2012]
(A) s2–, Cl¯, Ca2+, K+ (B) Ca2+, K+, Cl¯, S2–
(C) K+, S2–, Ca2+, Cl¯ (D) Cl¯, Ca2+ , K+, S2–

Q.30 Which one of the following has largest size ?

(A) Na (B) Na+ (C) Na¯ (D) None of these

Q.31 The decreasing order of the second ionization energy of K, Ca and Ba is

(At. Nos. K = 19, Ca = 20, Ba = 56)
(A) K > Ca > Ba (B) Ca > Ba > K (C) Ba > K > Ca (D) K > Ba > Ca

Q.32 Moving from right to left in a periodic table, the atomic size is- [IIT-1995]
(A) Increased (B) Decreased (C) Remains constant (D) None of these

Q.33 The number of paired electrons in oxygen is - [IIT-1995]

(A) 6 (B) 16 (C) 8 (D) 32

Q.34 Which of the following has the maximum number of unpaired electrons - [IIT-1996]
(A) Mg2+ (B) Ti3+ (C) V3+ (D) Fe2+

Q.35 The correct order of radii is - [IIT-2000]

(A) N < Be < B (B) F¯ < O2 - < N3- (C) Na < Li < K (D) Fe3+ < Fe2+ <Fe4+

Direction :
Below Q.No. 36 to Q.No. 37 consist of an ‘assertion in column1 and the ‘reason’ in column 2.
Against the specific question number, write in the appropriate space.
(A) If both assertion and reason are CORRECT, and reason is the CORRECT explanation of
the assertion.
(B) If both assertion and reason are CORRECT, but reason is not the CORRECT explanation
of the assertion.
(C) If assertion is CORRECT but reason is INCORRECT
(D) If assertion is INCORRECT reason in CORRECT

Q.36 Assertion : F atom has a negative electron gain enthalpy than Cl atom. [IIT-2000]
Reason : Additional electron are repelled more effectively by 3p electron in Cl atom than by 2p
electron in F atom.

Q.37 Assertion : LiCl is predominantly a covalent compound. [IIT-2000]

Reason : Electronegativity difference between Li and Cl is too small.

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Q.38 Element “X” which is solid and having high melting point, form a Chloride “X Cl3”. This element
“X” would be in which group of Periodic table [NTSE-13]
(A) Na (B) Mg (C) Al (D) Si

Q.39 The first ionisation potential of Na is 5.1 eV. The value of electron gain enthalpy of Na+ will be-
[JEE Main 2013]
(A) –10.2 eV (B) + 2.55 eV (C) – 2.55 eV (D) – 5.1 eV

Q.40 False statement for second period elements is [NTSE-14]

(A) change in number of electrons produce ions
(B) numbers of protons and electrons are equal in neutral atom
(C) number of neutrons is less than the number of protons in atoms
(D) change in the number of neutrons in atom produces isotopes

Q.41 Neutron less neutral atom is [NTSE-14]

(A) H (B) He (C) Na (D) K

Q.42 The last electron of the element of atomic number 31 will have the following quantum numbers
[NTSE-12]
n l m s
(A) 3 0 0 –1/2
(B) 4 1 –1 –1/2
(C) 3 1 1 +1/2
(D) 4 0 0 +1/2

Q.43 Which one of the following can lose two electrons to attain the configuration of neon ?
[IOS-13]
(A) Ca (B) C (C) Mg (D) Fe

Q.44 Mercury is the only metal which is liquid at 0ºC. This is due to-
(A) very high ionization energy and weak metallic bond
(B) low ionization energy
(C) high atomic weight
(D) high vapour pressure

Q.45 If there were 10 periods in periodic table then maximum number of elements it can have is-
(A) 290 (B) 770 (C) 204 (D) None of these

*****

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ANSWER KEY

SECTION-A

Q.1 C Q.2 C Q.3 B Q.4 B Q.5 B Q.6 D Q.7 B

Q.8 B Q.9 C Q.10 B

Q.1 D Q.2 B Q.3 B Q.4 A Q.5 D Q.6 C Q.7 A

Q.8 C Q.9 A Q.10 D Q.11 B Q.12 D Q.13 C Q.14 D
Q.15 A Q.16 A Q.17 A Q.18 D Q.19 C Q.20 C Q.21 D
Q.22 C Q.23 D Q.24 D Q.25 B Q.26 A Q.27 C Q.28 A
Q.29 B Q.30 C Q.31 A Q.32 A Q.33 A Q.34 D Q.35 B
Q.36 C Q.37 C Q.38 C Q.39 D Q.40 C Q.41 A Q.42 B
Q.43 C Q.44 A Q.45 A

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NOTES

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NOTES

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