Chapter - 4

PERIODICITY OF ELEMENTS

At the end of Chapter You will know:

4.1 The search for a classification.

4.2 Doberiener’s Classification.
4.3 Lothar Meyer’s Classification.
4.4 Salient Features of Mendeleev’s Table.
4.5 Modern periodic Table.
4.6 Modern periodic Law.
4.7 Periods and Groups.
4.8 Metals, Non–metals and Metalloids in the periodic table.
4.9 Some periodic properties of atoms, like Atomic Radii,
Ionization Energy, Electron Affinity and Electro-negativity.

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4.1 THE SEARCH FOR A CLASSIFICATION
Q. 3: Define classification of elements. What is the importance and
need for classification of element?
Classification
Definition
The method of arranging elements with similar properties in the same group and separating them from
elements with different properties is called classification of element.

Need for classification of element

o In the beginning of 18th century, only few elements were known and hence it was easy to remember
the properties of these elements individually. But later on with the discovery of new elements (about
112), it became very difficult to remember the behavior and properties of each and every element and
also how they form the compounds. Hence, attempts were made to classify these elements in to
groups of elements having similar characteristics.
o There was a need of some simple method to simplify and systematize the study of properties of
various elements and their compounds. This necessity led to the classification of various elements
into groups.
o This method of grouping the elements into different classes is known as periodic calcification of
elements, which means the actual or ideal arrangements of those elements which are alike and
separation of those which are unlike.

Importance of classification of element

o The classification of elements make a systematic study of elements, otherwise, it becomes
impossible to understand the properties of elements.
o In order to facilitate the study of element, it was realized that there should be a frame work in which
the element may be arranged or organized to arrange the element in a classification, so that it is easy
for a scientist to recognize an element.
o The classification of element was made due to the following reasons:
(i) To make the study easy for present for future reference
(ii) For a scientist it was become easy to understand the reasons for similarities in the properties of
elements.
(iii) It helps to study them better.
(iv) It may further reveal relationship between different elements.

4.2 DOBEREINER’S CLASSIFICATION

Q. 2: Explain Dobereiner’s Classification. What is rule of Triads?
Basis for the classification of element
The atoms of an element have a characteristic mass, as suggested by Dalton. So, attempts were made to
classify elements on the basis of their atomic masses. After the development of atomic theory and
determination of the atomic masses of a large number of elements, attempts were made to classify the
elements on the basis of atomic mass.

Dobereiner’s triads
o In the year 1829, Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner, a German scientist, was the first to correlate the
properties of elements with their atomic masses. He classified groups of elements with similar
chemical properties, into clusters of three, called 'Triads'.
o When elements were arranged in order of their increasing atomic mass, the atomic mass of the
middle element was approximately the arithmetic mean of the other two elements. The group of such
three elements was called Triads.

Triad
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Definition
A triad is a group of elements arranged in the order of increasing atomic masses, such that the elements
in the group have similar chemical and physical properties.

Law or rule of triads

o “The central atom of each set of a triad has an atomic mass almost equal to the arithmetic mean of
atomic masses of the other two elements”.
o When the elements in a triad were arranged in the order of increasing atomic masses, the atomic
mass of the middle element was found to be approximately equal to the arithmetic mean of the other
two elements.

Examples of Dobereiner's Triads

Example 1
(Atomic mass of Li + Atomic mass of K)
Atomic mass of Na =
2

= (7 + 39) / 2 = 46 / 2 = 23

Example 2
(Atomic mass of Ca + Atomic mass of Ba)
Atomic mass of Sr =
2

= (40 + 137) / 2 = 177 / 2 = 88

Example Summary
o The atomic mass of Li and K are and 39 respectively. The average of two numbers is 23, which is the
atomic mass of Na.
o The atomic mass of Cl and I are 35.5 and 126.5 respectively. The average of two number is 81, which
is the atomic mass of Br.
o The atomic mass of Ca and Ba are 40 and 137 respectively. The average of two numbers is 137,
which is the atomic mass of Na.
Q. 3: What are the drawbacks of Dobereiner’s Triad
Drawbacks / Limitations of Dobereiner’s triads
The only advantage of Dobereiner's research was that it made chemists look at elements in terms of
groups of elements with similar chemical and physical properties. As the techniques improved for
measuring atomic masses accurately, the law was unable to remain strictly valid.
o The law / rule can not be extended to the classification of all the elements, because it is true only in
the cases of very few elements.
o It is not possible to group all elements into triads.
o The elements with dissimilar properties were grouped as triads

Dobereiner's law of triads failed for the following reasons:

o All the known elements found later could not be arranged in the form of triads.
o For very low mass or for very high mass elements, the law was not holding good. Take the example
of F, Cl and Br. Atomic mass of Cl is not an arithmetic mean of atomic masses of F and Br.
o it was valid only for a few groups of elements known during that time.
o Accurate measurements of atomic masses showed that the mid element of the triad did not really
have the mean value of the sum of the other two elements of the triad.
o A large number of elements could not be grouped into triads. For e. g. , iron, manganese, nickel,
cobalt, zinc and copper are similar elements but cannot be placed in the triads. 2) It was also
observed that dissimilar elements were being grouped into triads.

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Q. 4: Explain the Newland’s Law of octave
Definition of Newland’s Law of Octaves
o An English chemist Newland (1864), proposed that, when elements are arranged in ascending order
of their atomic weights, every eighth element had similar physical and chemical properties. This
regularity is called ‘Law of Octaves’
o “If elements are arranged in the order of increasing atomic masses, the eight element starting from a
given one, has similar properties as the first one, i.e. its properties are a kind of repetition of the first,
like the eight note in an octave of music.”

Newland’s Observations
He observed that the properties of every eighth element were similar to those of the first. He arranged
most of the elements (accordingly known). A few octaves based on the Newland’s classification are
in table below:
Element Atomic Mass Li Be B C N O F
7 9 11 12 14 16 19
Element Atomic Mass Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
23 24 27 28 31 32 35.5

He observed that, Li and Na; Be and Mg; B and Al; C and Si; N and P, O and S; and F and CI resemble in
chemical properties.

Examples
o ‘Na’ is 8th element from ‘Li’: have similar properties placed in group IA element.
o ‘Mg’ is 8th element from ‘Be’: have similar properties placed in group IIA element.
Similarly,
o ‘Cl’ is 8th element from ‘F’: have similar properties placed in group VIIA element

Achievement of Newland’s Classification of Octave

1. Atomic weight of an element was recognized as the basis for classification of element.
2. The periodicity (repetition of property), as the fundamental property of element, was recognized for
the first time.
3. This law provided a basis for the classification of elements into groups of elements having similar
properties.
4. This law provided a wider scope to arrange all known elements into a tabular form.

Drawback / Limitations Newland’s Classification of Octave

The law failed due to the following reasons:
1. It is valid for only first 16 elements. It did not extend properly beyond Calcium (Ca).
2. It did not provide any specific place for Hydrogen (H).
3. The periodic arrangement of elements did not include Noble gases because they were not
discovered.
4. Heavier elements could also not be accommodated.
5. With the discovery of Noble gas, the idea of octaves could not be held, e.g. in case of Neon (Ne), it is
between Fluorine (F) and Sodium (Na), and Argon (Ar) is between Chlorine (Cl) and Potassium (K), in
both cases, it is the ninth element instead of eight which has similar property.

4.3 LOTHER MEYER’S CLASSIFICATON

Q. 5: Explain Lother Meyer’s Classification
Lother Meyer’s Classification
In 1864, Meyer produced a table of just 28 elements which he listed by their valency. He incorporated
transition metals in another table in 1868 which listed the elements in increasing weight order with
elements with the same valency in a given column. Meyer’s main contribution was his recognition of

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periodic behavior, i.e. a repeating pattern of a property. Meyer chose the property of the atomic volume of
an element and he plotted against its atomic weight as the following arrangements.

1. Arrangement as group or column

In 1869, published a periodic table in which he arranged 56 elements on the basis of their atomic
masses in nine vertical columns or group. He named group: ‘I’ to ‘IX’.
2. Arrangement as atomic Volume
Meyer calculated the atomic volumes of elements. The atomic volume of an element occupied by one
gram atomic weight, or 1 mole of atoms of element, in solid form.
3. Arrangement as formula
Meyer proposed the following formula for the calculation of Atomic volume:
Gram atomic weight
Atomic volume =
Density
4. Meyer Plotted Graph
He plotted the values of certain physical properties such as atomic volumes, against atomic weights,
and obtained different curves. He observed that elements with similar physical properties occupied
similar position in the curve.

The graph below clearly shows a periodic pattern as the atomic volume rises to peaks and then falls
again.

Analysis of Graph on the basis of:

1. Similar physical properties
In the curve, the elements with similar physical properties, like boiling point occupied similar position.
2. Position of Alkali metal
The alkali metals like Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb) and Cesium (Cs),
occupied the peaks of the curves showing that these elements have largest atomic volume.
3. Periodicity
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 Similar elements were located at the similar positions of the curves. The regular spacing of the
highest points confirms the idea of periodicity.

Drawbacks of Lother Meyer’s Classification

1. No empirical or logical basis of Classification
Meyer's classification was supported by a study of various physical properties such as atomic volume,
atomic size etc. related with atomic weights with no empirical or logical basis of classification.
2. Incomplete Table
Meyer's periodic table was incomplete compared with Mendeleev's periodic table which was
published in the same year.
3. Misplacement of elements
Alkali metals occupy the peaks of the curves, and the halogens and elements forming acidic oxides
occur on the ascending portion of the curves.

4.4 SALIENT FEATURES OF MENDELEEV’S TABLE

Q. 6: Mendeleev’s Classification
Mendeleev’s Periodic System
Statement
In 1864, Mendeleev proposed, a law known as periodic law which is stated as: ‘The physical and
chemical properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic weights’.

Mandeleev’s Periodic table

In Mandeleev’s periodic table, the elements were arranged in the increasing order of their atomic masses
in such a way that similar elements were repeated after regular intervals and were placed one above the
other.

Basis of Mandeleev’s Periodic Classification

o Similarities in the chemical properties of the element
o Increasing order of atomic weight of ht element

Salient Features
1. Extension of Newland
Mendeleev's law is an extension of Newland's law of octave.
2. Periods and Groups

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 Mendeleev arranged all the known elements in order of their increasing atomic weights in seven
horizontal lines, called periods, and in eight vertical columns, called groups.
3. Valance number
The group number indicates the valence number that can be attained by elements of group.
4. Provision of Gaps (Vacant spaces)
Mendeleev left certain gaps (blanks), in periodic table for the elements to be discovered. He predicted
their names as Eka-Boron; Eka-Aluminum and Eka-Silicon.
5. Prediction of atomic weight and properties of element
He also predicted the atomic weights and properties of the undiscovered elements. These elements
were discovered in the life of Mendeleev and were named Scandium, Gallium, and Germanium.
Further, these elements were found to possess properties as were predicted by Mendeleev.
6. Prediction of unknown element
This classification of elements on the basis of periodic law proved useful for predicting unknown
elements.
Q. 7: What are Advantages and Defects of Mendeleev’s
Classification?
Advantages of Mendeleev’s Classification
1. Periodic System of element (Periodicity)
Mendeleev is given the credit for giving the periodic system of elements. It helped in systematic study
of elements, e.g. study of sodium helped in predicting the properties of other alkali metals as
potassium, rubidium and calcium. It proved the concept of periodicity.
2. Prediction of properties and atomic weight of Unknown element
Mendeleev also predicted the atomic weights and properties of the undiscovered elements. He left
gaps in the table for missing element and predicted the properties o f undiscovered element, e.g. eka-
boron, eka-aluminum and eka-silicon, which would be placed there. These have been named
Scandium (Sc), Gallium (Ga) and Germanium (Ge). There properties are remarkably same as were
predicted by Mandeleev.
3. Correction of certain Atomic Masses
Mendeleev corrected the atomic masses of some elements such as Boron.
4. Relationship between chemical properties and masses
Mandeleev’s periodic table established a relation between chemical properties and atomic weights.

Defects of Mendleev’s Periodic table

1. Misplacement of elements
In certain cases Mendeleev himself disregarded the periodic law, e.g. he placed:
o Argon Ar (39.9) before Potassium K (39)
o Cobalt Co (59.9 before Nickel Ni (58,6)
o Tellurium Te (127.6) before Iodine I (126.9).
2. Hydrogen place not specified
Position of Hydrogen is not clear because it resembles both the alkali metals and halogens.
3. No place for Isotopes
No separate places were assigned to isotopes.
4. Placement of dissimilar element in same group
Dissimilar elements placed in the same group, i.e. Alkali Metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr) were placed
with the Coinage metals such as (Cu, Ag, Au), even though they differ greatly.
5. No idea of atomic structure
Failed to explain structure of atoms.
6. No place for inner transition element
Inner transition elements do not find any appropriate places in periodic table.
Q. 8: Define and explain periodicity?
Definition of Periodicity
Definition
o The repetition of physical and chemical properties of elements ‘periodically’ is called periodicity of
properties.
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o Periodicity refers to trends or recurring variations in element properties with increasing atomic
number.
o Periodicity is caused by regular and predictable variations in element atomic structure.

Explanation
o The periodicity of physical properties can be explained by comparing the atomic volumes of different
elements.
o Mendeleev organized elements according to recurring properties to make a periodic table of
elements. Elements within a group (column) display similar characteristics.
o The rows in the periodic table (the periods) reflect the filling of electrons shells around the nucleus, so
when a new row begins, the elements stack on top of each other with similar properties.

Example
Helium and Neon are both fairly un-reactive gases that glow when an electric current is passed through
them. Lithium and Sodium both have a +1 oxidation state and are reactive, shiny metals.

Uses of Periodicity
o Periodicity was helpful to Mendeleev, because it showed him gaps in his periodic table where
elements should be placed.
o This helped scientists to find new elements, because they could be expected to display certain
characteristics based on the location they would take in the periodic table.
o Now that the elements have been discovered, scientists and students used periodicity to make
predictions about how elements will behave in chemical reactions and their physical properties.
o Periodicity helps chemists predict how the new, super heavy elements might look and behave.

4.5 MODERN PERIODIC TABLE

Q. 9: How are groups and periods arranged in modern periodic table?
Describe Bohr’s Long Form of the periodic table.
Description of Bohr’s Long Form of the Periodic Table
The modern periodic table is also known as the long form of the periodic table or the extended form of the
periodic table. This not only ensures periodicity in electronic configuration, but periodicity in chemical and
physical properties.

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Characteristics of Long Form Periodic Table
o The elements are arranged in the order of increasing atomic numbers in horizontal row called
Periods.
o All elements having same number of valence electrons come under the same vertical column called
Group.
o The elements in a group do not have consecutive atomic number. However, each element in a group
has same number of electrons in its outermost shell and hence, all elements of a group have same
chemical properties.
o This ensures periodicity, both in electronic configuration as well as physical and chemical properties.
The table contains seven (07) horizontal rows (periods) and sixteen vertical columns (Group).
o There are eight groups, which are further sub-divided into eighteen sub-groups.
o The sub-groups are separated by letter ‘A’ and ‘B’
o Rare or Noble (inert) gases are placed in zero group 8A or VIII A, which is at the extreme right of the
table. All elements in this group have eight electrons in their outmost shell, (with the exception of
Helium ‘He’ which has 2 electrons).
o Halogens are placed in group 17 or VII A, just ahead of the noble gas elements.
o The strongly metallic elements, alkali metals (Na, K, etc.), are placed in group 1 or IA and the alkaline
earth metals (Ca, Ba, etc.) are placed in group 2 or IIA, which is at the extreme left side of the table.
o The transition elements are placed in group 1B to VIIIB and are accommodated in the middle of the
table in three series.
o Transition elements such as copper, iron, etc., are placed in the 3 to 12 groups, which occur at the
middle of the table.
o The rare earth inner transition elements, lanthanides and actinides are placed in two separate series
at the bottom of the main body of the periodic table. They are kept outside the table to mark their
peculiar properties
o The non-metallic elements are placed on the right hand of transition elements.

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o The elements occupying left and right wing vertical columns (groups) are called normal representative
element.

4.6 MODERN PERIODIC LAW

Q. 10:Describe Modern periodic Law. What are Advantages and
Demerits of Long Form of Modern Periodic Law
Modern Periodic Law
Statement
The physical and chemical properties of all elements are periodic function of their atomic numbers.

Basis of Modern Periodic Law

The modern periodic table is the result of discovery of the atomic number by Moseley in 1914. He showed
that the atomic number of an element is numerically equal to the number of electrons round the nucleus.
The number of electrons in turn is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. He suggested that
atomic number is a more fundamental property of an element than its atomic mass.

Advantages of Modern Periodic Law

o Modern periodic table solved the problem of position of misfit pair of elements.
o On the basis of modern table placement of rare and radioactive elements becomes more reasonable.
o Since all the isotopes of an element have same atomic number, therefore, they required only one
place in the periodic table.

Demerits of Long Form of periodic Law

o The position of Hydrogen (H) is still undecided.
o Group VIIIB consists of three columns instead of one.
o Like Mendeleev, it fails to accommodate the Lanthanides and Actinides series in the main body of
table.
o Some elements, which resemble in chemical properties, are placed in separate groups such as Li in
IA and Mg in IIA. Their properties are similar, but they are placed in separate groups.

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4.7 PERIODS AND GROUPS
Q. 11:Define groups and Periods of modern periodic table. Describe
the general characteristics of Periods and Groups of Modern
Periodic Table
Groups
Definitions
The vertical columns of elements in the periodic table are called Group. The modern periodic table of the
elements contains 18 groups, or vertical columns.

Characteristic of Group
o Elements in a group have similar chemical and physical properties because they have the same
number of outer electrons.
o Elements in a group are related by common characteristics.
o Each group is titled with Roman numerals and the letters A and B.

Periods
Definitions
The horizontal rows of elements in the periodic table are called Periods. The modern periodic table
contains seven periods.

Characteristic of Periods
o The periodic table consists of seven periods. The periods vary in length.
o The elements within a period have dissimilar properties from left to right across any period.
o The physical and chemical properties of elements change from metallic to non-metallic along a
period.
o Along a period, a gradual change in chemical properties occurs from one element to another. For
example, metallic properties decrease and nonmetallic properties increase as you go from left to right
across a period.
o Changes in the properties occur because the number of protons and electrons increases from left to
right across a period or row. The increase in number of electrons is important because the outer
electrons determine the element's chemical properties.
Q. 12:Describe the characteristics of each Periods and Groups of
Modern Periodic Table
Number of Periods
There are seven (07) periods in modern periodic table, Periods 1 to 7.

Periods 1 (Shortest Period)

1. Number of elements
It is the shortest period; it has only two (02) elements.
2. Name of Elements
Hydrogen (H), contains one electron and
Helium (He), contains two electrons.
3. Significance
This period signifies the completion of K shell or first orbit.

Periods 2 and Period 3 (Short period)

1. Number of elements
It contains Eight (08) elements.
2. Names of elements in Period 2
Lithium (Li), Beryllium (BR), Boron (B), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F), and
Neon (Ne).

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 Names of elements in Period 3
Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorous (P), Sulphur (S),
Chlorine (Cl), and Argon (Ar).
3. Significance of period 2 and period 3
This period signifies the filling up of L shell and M shell respectively.

Periods 4 and period 5 (Long periods)

1. Number of elements
These periods contains eighteen elements. Eight (08) normal elements and ten (10) Transition
elements.
2. Name of eight Normal elements
Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Gallium (Ga), Germanium (Ge), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se),
Bromine (Br) and Krypton (Kr).
Name of ten Transition elements
Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt
(Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn).
3. Significance of period 4 and period 5
o In these periods the significance is the filling up of N and N shells.
o Period 4 starts from Potassium (K) and ends at Krypton (Kr).
o Period 5 starts from Rubidium (Rb) and end at Xenon (Xe).

Period 6 (Longest period)

1. Number of elements
It is the longest period containing thirty two (32) elements. Eight (08) representative elements
from group 1A to VIIIA, 10 outer transition elements from group B (La to Hg) and 14 inner
transition elements from (Ce to Lu). These elements are called Lanthanides. They are placed at
the bottom of the table.
2. Name of eight (08) representative elements
Cs, Ba, Tl, Bi, Po, At and Rn
Name of ten (10) outer transition elements
La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt , Gold (Au) , Mercury(Hg).
Name of fourteen (14) inner transition elements
Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu.

Period 7 (Incomplete period)

1. Number of elements
o It is also a long period. It contains two (02) normal elements Francium (Fr) and Radium (Ra).
o There are fourteen (14) inner transition elements also called Actinides series starts from
Actinium (Ac), presented at the bottom of the periodic table.
2. Incomplete elements remaining to be discovered
o This period is incomplete, as to date about 109 elements have been discovered.
o There should be 32 elements in period 7 before it is finally complete.

Periods of Modern Periodic table

The elements within a period have dissimilar properties from left to right across any period, the physical
and chemical properties of elements change from metallic to non metallic along a period.

Characteristic of Periods
o All periods except the first, starts with an alkali metal, with one electron in the valence shell. The
period ends up on zero group elements with valence shell having eight electrons except helium He
which has only two electrons.
o The first period is very short and contains only 2 elements, hydrogen and helium. The next two
periods contain eight elements each. Periods four and five each have 18 elements. The sixth period
has 32 elements. The last period is not complete yet because new exotic or manmade elements are
still being made in laboratories.

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Groups of modern periodic table
There are eight groups in the periodic table

Sub-division of groups
Each of the eight group is further sub-divided into two groups
1. Sub-group A
2. Sub-group B

Sub-group A (Representative elements)

These contain Group IA to Group VIIIA. The elements of sub-group A are called ‘main elements’ or
‘Representative elements’, as the properties of thee elements are represented by electrons in outer most
orbit.

Sub-group B (Transition elements)

These contain Group IB to Group VIIIB. The elements of sub-group B are called ‘transition element’
because the properties of these elements show a gradual change or transition between the two sets of
representative elements on either side of them. The properties are represented by electrons in their
outermost shell or orbit and ‘d’ orbit of penultimate orbit.

Characteristics of Sub-group A (Representative elements)

Group IA to VIIIA

Group IA, Alkali Metals or Lithium family

1. Number of elements and their name
There are six (06) elements in group IA. These are Li (Lithium), Na (Sodium), K (Potassium), Rb
(Rubidium), Cs (Cesium) and Fs (Francium).
2. Name of group
They are called alkali metals because they form alkalis, e.g. NaOH, KOH.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence sell
There valence shell or orbit contains one (01) electron only.
4. Type of Ions form
On reaction they lose one electron and form univalent positive ions (M+1).
5. Reactivity
Because of this nature, they are electropositive. These are highly reactive elements with low melting
and boiling point, because of their weak metallic bonding.
6. Atomic size and atomic volume
Their atomic size (atomic radii) and atomic volume increases down the group from Li to Cs, due to the
addition of extra shell to each elements.
7. Hardness
These elements are a bit softer, having low melting and boiling points. They do not show a regular
trend in melting or boiling points and densities .
8. Ionization Potential
There is a gradual decrease in the ionization potential down the group.
9. Type of compound form
Elements of this group form ionic compounds.
10. Exception
Fr, the last element of this group is a radioactive metal.

Group IIA, Alkaline Earth Metal or Beryllium family

1. Number of elements and their name
There are six (06) element in group IIA. Their names are: Beryllium (Br), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium
(Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba) and Radium (Ra).
2. Name of group
They are called Alkaline Earth Metals
3. Number of Electrons in Valence sell
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 Their valence shell contains two (02) electrons.
4. Type of Ions form
On reaction they lose two electrons and form divalent ions (M+2).
5. Reactivity
They are electropositive in nature.
6. Atomic size and atomic volume
There is a gradual increase in the size of atoms down the group. There atomic size, ionic size an
atomic volumes are smaller compared to alkali metals
7. Hardness
These elements are a bit harder, having higher melting and boiling points compared to alkali metal.
They do not show a regular trend in melting or boiling points and densities .
8. Ionization Potential
There is a gradual decrease in the ionization potential down the group.
9. Type of compound form
Elements of this group form ionic compounds.
10. Exception
Radium (Ra) is a radioactive element

Group IIIA, The Boron or Aluminum family

1. Number of elements and their name
There are five (05) elements in group IIIA. There names are: Boron (B), Aluminum (Al), Gallium (Ga),
Indium (In) and Thallium (Tl).
2. Name of group
They are called the Boron or Aluminum family.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence sell
Their valence shell contains three (03) electrons.
4. Type of Ions form
On reaction they lose three electrons and form trivalent ions (M+3).
5. Reactivity
Except Boron they are highly electropositive elements.
6. Atomic size and atomic volume
There is a gradual increase in the size of atoms down the group
7. Hardness
These elements are a bit harder, having higher melting and boiling points compared to alkali and
alkaline earth metal. They do not show a regular trend in melting or boiling points and densities .
8. Ionization Potential
There is a gradual decrease in the ionization potential down the group.
9. Type of compound form
Elements of this group form ionic compounds.
10. Exception
o Boron is metalloid. A metalloid is an element which has some properties of metals and some
properties of non-metals.
o Elements of this group form covalent compound due to small size, high charge and large values
of ionization potential.
o Metallic trends increase down the group due to the increase in atomic volume and decrease in
ionization energy.

Group IVA, the Carbon and Silicon family

1. Number of elements and their name
There are five (05) elements in group IVA. There names are: Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium
(Ge), Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb).
2. Name of group
They are called the Carbon and Silicon family.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence shell
Their valence shell contains four (04) electrons.
4. Type of Ions form
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 On reaction they lose four electrons and form Tetravalent ions (M+4).
5. Reactivity
Except Boron they are highly electropositive elements.
6. Atomic size and atomic volume
Down the group atomic radii and volume increases due to addition of a new shell.
7. Hardness
Hardness decreases down the group. Diamond, one allotrope of Carbon (C) is the hardest element.
8. Ionization Potential
There is a gradual decrease in ionization potential down the group.
9. Type of compound form
Elements of this group form ionic compounds. The elements Carbon (C), Silicon (SI) and Germanium
(Ge), form covalent compounds whereas Sn and Pb exhibit a variable valence 2 and 4.
10. Exception
o They exist in solid-state.
o Carbon (C) is non metal. Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge) are metalloids, and Tin (Sn) and Lead
(Pb) are metals.
o Carbon(C) and Tin (Sn) are found in various allotropic forms.
o Metallic character increase down the group.
o Elements of this group have moderate tendency to form compounds.
o Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb) are electropositive and form ionic bonds.

Group VA, the Nitrogen family

1. Number of elements and their name
There are five (05) elements in group VA. There names are: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Arsenic
(As), Antimony (Sb) and Bismuth (Bi).
2. Name of group
They are called the Nitrogen family.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence shell
Their valence shell contains five (05) electrons.
4. Type of Ions form
Nitrogen (N) has a tendency to accept three electrons to form nitride ion (N-3). Phosphorus exists as
P4 molecule. Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule (N2).
5. Ionization Potential
Large ionization potential
6. Type of compound form
Nitrogen (N) forms a number of oxides as NO, N2O, NO2, N2O4 and N2O5.
7. Exception
o Except Nitrogen all elements of this group exist in more than one allotropic forms.
o Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorous (P) are nonmetals. Arsenic (As) and Antimony (Sb) are metalloids,
and Bismuth (Bi) is a metal.
o Nitrogen is a gas and found as diatomic molecules (N 2), while Phosphorous (P) is found as P 4
molecules.

Group VIA, Oxygen family

1. Number of elements and their name
There are five (05) elements in group VA. There names are: Oxygen (O), Sulphur (S), Selenium (Se),
Tellurium (Te) and Polonium (Po).
2. Name of group
They are called the Oxygen family.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence shell
Their valence shell contains six (06) electrons.
4. Type of Ions form
Oxygen and Sulphur form divalent negative ions O-2 and S-2.
5. Occurrence
Oxygen is most abundant and element while Tellurium is the rarest element.

15
6. Exception
o Oxygen (gas) and Sulpur are non-metals, Selenium, Tellurium (Te) are metalloids and Polonium
(Po) is metal.
o all elements of this group exist in more than one allotropic forms, e.g. allotropic forms of oxygen
are Oxygen (O2) and Ozone (O3).

Group VIIA, The Halogens

1. Number of elements and their name
There are five (05) elements in group VA. There names are: Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br),
Iodine (I) and Astatine (At).
2. Name of group
They are called the Halogens.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence shell
Their valence shell contains seven (07) electrons.
4. Ionization Potential
They have high ionization energies and large negative electron affinities
5. Type of compound form
They easily accept an electron to form halide ions (x-1), i.e. F-1, Cl-1, Br-1 ad I-1
6. Exception
o Except Astatine (At), all other element of this group are non-metal and exists as diatomic
molecules.
o Astatine (At) is a metalloid.
o At room temperature F2 and Cl2 are gases; Bromine (Br) is a liquid and Iodine (I) is a solid.

Group VIIIA, The Inert or Noble Gases

1. Number of elements and their name
There are six (06), elements in group VIIIA. There names are: Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar),
Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe) and Radon (Rn).
2. Name of group
They are called the Inert or Noble Gases.
3. Number of Electrons in Valence shell
Their valence shell contains eight (08) electrons, except He
4. Atomic Volumes
Krypton and Xenon has large atomic volume
5. Type of compound form
Krypton and Xenon highly reactive under drastic conditions, the rest of element of this group are
totally inert chemically, that is why they are called inert gases.
6. Exception
o Helium (He) has two electrons in valence shell.
o Their outmost shell is completely filled.
o They have great stability.

Group IB to Group VIIIB

Elements from group I-B to group VIII-B are known as transition elements. There names are: Iron (Fe),
Copper (Cu) , Silver (Ag), Nichol (Ni) etc.
They can be represented in block diagram as follows:

Transition
Elements

Outer Transition Elements Outer Transition Elements

16
Lanthanides series Actinides series
Main features of Transition Elements
1. They are metals.
2. They are hard.
3. They have high melting point.
4. They exhibit variable oxidation states. For example +2 , Fe+3, Cu+1, Cu+2
5. They are paramagnetic.
6. They form complex (coordination) compounds.
7. These elements give characteristic colors in compounds form, e.g. CuSO4 (blue), NiSO4 (green), and
CoCl3 (pink)
8. In this group, both valence and penultimate shell are incomplete
9. They show more than one valence in a chemical reaction
10. Transition elements and their compounds are used as a catalyst, e.g. Pt, Ni, FeCl 3, V2O5, MnO2, FeO
etc.
Q. 13: What are Lanthanide and Actinide Series of elements
Features of Lanthanide and Actinide Series of elements in periodic table
o There are two series at the bottom of periodic table which consist of 14 elements in each series called
Lanthanides and Actinides.
o Lanthanides and Actinides The lanthanides and actinides are groups of elements in the periodic
table. They are the elements that are often listed below the main section of the periodic table. There
are thirty total elements in the lanthanides and actinides. They are often called the "inner transition
metals." Lanthanides The lanthanides are the elements with atomic numbers from 58 to 71.
o The elements of f-block are also called as Lanthanides and Actinides. These names come from the
Lanthanum and Actium after which, both series of f-block are started.
o The lanthanides and actinides are located mostly in the "f-block" of the periodic table.
o Both actinides and lanthanides are highly reactive with elements from the halogen group. All of the
lanthanides have at least one stable isotope except for promethium.
Interesting Facts about Lanthanides and Actinides
o The elements in which the last electron enters one of the 5f-orbitals are called 4f-block elements or
second inner transition series. They are also called Actinides because they come immediately after
actinium. The general electronic configuration is 5f1-146d0-1 7s2
o None of the actinides have a stable isotope. They are all radioactive.

Lanthanide Series
o It includes elements 58 to 71.
o They are called the lanthanides because they exhibit similar chemical properties to lanthanum, the
first element in the group.
o They are also called Lanthanides (or) because they come immediately after the element ‘Lanthanum’.
o The progressive decrease in the radii of atoms of the lanthanide elements as the atomic number
increases; evident in various physical properties of the elements and their compounds.
o In the periodic table, there are 14 rare earth elements. Because their outermost orbital is empty, they
have very similar properties.
Lanthanide Series of elements
58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71
Cs Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu

Actinide Series
o Actinides are the 15 elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103.
o They are named after the first element in the series, actinium.
o The first actinides discovered were uranium and thorium.

17
o The actinides group includes mostly man-made elements with only a few exceptions such as uranium
and thorium.
o The actinides are most known for the elements uranium and plutonium which are used in nuclear
reactors and nuclear bombs.
Actinide Series of elements
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103
Th Pa U Np Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm Md No Lr

Application of Lanthanides and Actinides

Lanthanides are used in products such as hybrid cars, superconductors, and permanent magnets.
The actinide named ‘americium’ is used in smoke detectors.
Q. 14:Discuss the characteristics of Metals, Non-metals, Metalloids
and Transition Metals
Metals
Definition
Elements, which are good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable and ductile, and have metallic
luster are called metals.

Explanation
Metals are normally shiny (lustrous), malleable, ductile solids with high melting and boiling points. Majority
of the known elements are metals, only 17 elements are non-metals and eight elements are metalloids.

Position in periodic table

In the periodic table elements of groups IA, IIA and all transition elements are metals. Some elements of
groups IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA are also metals. Metals always form positive ion (Cat-ions). The only liquid
metal is mercury (Hg).

Example
Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Gold (Au), Silver (Au) and liquid metal Mercury (Hg),

Characteristics of metals
o Metals are electropositive elements, i.e they lose electrons to form Cat-ions.
o All of them give luster and are, malleable, i.e can be spread out into sheets
o They are ductile, i.e can be drawn into wire.
o The form basic oxide.

Non-metals
Definition
Elements, which are bad conductors of heat and electricity, neither malleable and nor ductile and have no
metallic luster are called non-metals. Most of the non-metals are gases

Position in periodic table

In the periodic table majority of elements of p-block (groups IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA , VIIA, AND VIIIA are non
metals. All non-metals form negative ions (Anion). The only liquid non-metal is Bromine.

Example
Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Chlorine (Cl), Oxygen (O), Sulphur (S) etc.

Characteristics
o Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity
o Non-metals form acidic oxides
o They are electronegative elements, i.e they gain electrons to form Anions.
o Non-metals are found in solid, liquid and gaseous state.
o Most of them are gases.
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Metalloids
Definition
Metalloids are the elements, which have properties of both metal and non-metals

Position in periodic table

Metalloids are found at the top of group IIIA, in thd middle of IVA and at the bottom of group VA and VIA

Example
Group IIIA, Boron (B),
Group IVA Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge),
Group VA, Arsenic (As) and Antimony (Sb),
Group ViA, Tellurium (Te) and Polonium (Po),
Group VIIA, Astatine (At).

Characteristics
o They exhibit dual character. This is why they show the properties of both metals and non-metal
o Their oxides are atmospheric, i.e have basic as well as acidic nature.
o Most of silvery in appearance
o All are solid at room temperature
o Metalloids are brittle rather than malleable or ductile
o They are semiconductors

4.9 SOME PERIODIC PROPERTIES OF ATOMS, LIKE ATOMIC

RADII, IONIZATION ENERGY, ELECTRON AFFINITY AND
ELECTRONEGATIVITY

Q. 15:Write short note on the following physical properties:

1. Atomic Radii,
2. Ionization energy,
3. Electron Affinity and
4. Electro-negativity
1. Atomic Radius
Definition
o The atomic radii is the half the distance between two adjacent nuclei of two similar atoms in touch
with each other.
o It is also defined as half the distance between nucleus of two homo-nuclear atoms in molecules
such as H2, O2, N2 etc
o It is the distance from the center of the nucleus and the point up to which the outer most electron
of the atom is extended.

Explanation

19
 The atomic radius is a term used to describe the size of the atom, but there is no standard definition
for this value. Atomic radius may refer to the ionic radius, covalent radius, metallic radius, or Van Der
Waals radius. The size of the atom depend on how far out the electrons extend.

Measuring Unit of atomic radii

It is measured in Angstrom unit A0 or A.U; 1 A0 = 10-8 cm.

Dependence
An atom does not have strictly defined boundaries. The radius of a particular atom is not constant. Its
size is influenced by the other atom or to which it is bonded. The atomic radii depend on the number
of shells and nuclear charge on an atom. As the number of valence shell electrons increases (from
top to bottom of a Group on the Period Table), shielding by the innermost electrons results in
increasing atomic radius.

Size of atomic radii in periodic table

Trends in Group
o The atomic radius for an element tends to increase down an element group.
o Atomic radius decreases moving left to right across a period and increases moving down a group.

Reason
Due to addition of new shell in each atom down the group, resulting in the expansion of the size of the
atoms on one hand and the reduction in the attraction of the nucleus for electrons on the other hand.
Therefore, atomic radii of the elements increases down the group.

The following table shows atomic radii of some atoms in Group IIA.

Elements of Group IIA Atomic Radii in A0

Be 1.12
Mg 1.36
Ca 1.97
Sr 2.15
Ba 2.22

Trends in Periods
o The atomic radius decreases with atomic number (left to right Period on the Period Table).
o In the period the atomic radii decreases from left to right due to the increase in number of protons
(rise of nuclear charge).
The following table shows atomic radii of some atoms in period.

Elements Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
Atomic radii in A0 1.51 1.36 1.25 0.77 0.77 0.66 0.64

Reason
o The increase in nuclear charge, the pull on orbiting electron is stronger by the nucleus.
o The increase in nuclear charge draws the outermost electrons, or valence electrons, into the
nucleus, reducing the atomic radius.
o The increasing atomic number along a period increases the positive charge in the nuclei.
Resulting in increase in attraction of electron in the outer most shell, thus the shells are
contracted.

2. Ionization Energy
Definition
o The minimum energy required to remove an electron from one of a gaseous atom in its ground
state is called ionization energy.
o This is the energy needed to completely remove an electron from an atom or ion.
20
Explanation
The energy required to remove the first outmost electron is called the First Ionization Energy. The
energy required to remove the outermost electron from a mono–valent positive ion is called Second
Ionization Energy and so on. The second and third ionization energies are always larger than the first.
The higher the ionization energy, the more difficult it is to remove an electron.

Unit
It is measured in KJ/mol or ev/atom, where: KJ is Kilo Joule and e.v is electron volt.

Example
The Ionization energy of Hydrogen atom is 1312 KJ/mol, i.e.
H (g) + Energy → H+ + 1e- Ionization Energy = +1312 KJ/mole

Dependence
Size and Charge
Ionization energy depends upon atomic size and nuclear charge. The higher the ionizatio energy the
more difficult is to remove an electron.

Shielding effect
The greater the shielding effect, the less the ionization energy

Radius
Ionization energy decreases with increase in distance between the nucleus and outermost electrons.

Sublevels
Electrons in the ‘p’ sublevel have lower ionization energy than ‘s’ sublevel electrons

In periodic Table
Group trends
Ionization energy decrease down the group from top to bottom
Reason
Down a group in the periodic table the ionization energy decreases because the addition of a new
shell increases the atomic size and decreases the electrostatic force of attraction between nucleus
and electrons in outer most orbit.

Period trends
Ionization energy increase moving left to right across a period of table.

Reason
Ionization energy increases from left to right in a periodic table, because the addition of proton in the
nucleus increases the nuclear charge, thereby increasing the force of attraction on electrons.

Types of Ionization energies

On the basis of nature of electron, ionization energy can be classified into three types.

1st Ionization energy

The minimum amount of energy required to remove first electron form a gaseous atom
Example: Na → Na+1 + 1 e- Ionization Energy = 496 kJ/mole

2nd Ionization energy

The amount of energy required to remove first electron form an isolated mono-positive gaseous ion.
Example: Na → Na+2 + 1 e- Ionization Energy = 4562 kJ/mole

3rd Ionization energy

21
 The amount of energy required to remove first electron form an isolated gaseous divalent ion.
Example: Na+2 → Na+3 + 1 e- Ionization Energy = 6912 kJ/mole

3. Electron Affinity
Definition
Electron affinity is defined as the energy change that occurs when an electron is gained by an atom in
the gaseous state.

Explanation
Electron affinity for the addition of first electron is negative. It means that energy is released.
However, for the second or more electrons, it is positive because energy as to be added to overcome
repulsion between negative ion and electron.

Unit
It is measured in kJ/mole or electron volt (eV)

Dependence
It depends on atomic size and nulcear charge.

In periodic table
Group trends
Electron Affinity decreases down the group from top to bottom

Reason
Down a group in the periodic table, electron affinity decrease because
Period trends
Electron affinity increase in a period from left to right.

Reason
The nuclear charge is increasing, while atomic size is decreasing from left to right in a period.
Smaller atoms have greater tendency to attract electrons towards themselves, i.e. smaller atoms
have greater electro-negativity.

Electron Affinity in non-metal and noble gases

Non-metals usually have higher electron affinities than metals. The noble gases are an exception to
the trend, since these elements have filled valence shells and electron affinity values approaching
zero. However, the behavior of the noble gases is periodic.

4. Electro-negativity
Definition
Relative tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract shared pair of electron to itself is called electro-
negativity.

22
 Units
It is denoted by a number (from 0 to 4), and has no unit.

Explanation
An American chemist, Linus Pauling, calculated the electro-negativity of different elements taking
fluorine as a standard. He devised a scale which ranged from 0 to 4. Fluorine has the highest value of
electro-negativity of 4.

Trends in periodic table

Trend in Group
Down a group the electro-negativity decreases.

Reason
As we move down a group there is increase in size of atom, therefore, the electro-negativity will
decrease.

Trends in Period
Down a period the electro-negativity increases.

Reason
The atomic size is decreasing from left to right in a period and the nuclear charge increase. Smaller
atoms have greater tendency to attract electrons towards themselves, i.e smaller atoms have greater
electro-negativity

Application of Electro-negativity
o Electro-negativity helps in predicting the stability of compound.
o Electro-negativity helps in predicting the nature o f bond in a molecule.
o Electro-negativity helps in characterizing Metallic and non-metallic element.

Dependence of electro-negativity
Relation between Ionization potential and Electron affinity
o In generally, elements with high Ionization energy and large electron affinity have high electro-
negativity.
o The Ionization potential and electron affinity on which electro-negativity depends decrease, down the
group.
o With the decrease of these quantities the electro-negativity also decreases.

Periodicity in Electro-negativity
Variation of electro-negativity with atomic number and the periodicity in it is shown in the following graph.

Graph between electro-negativity and atomic number

23
24
 Solution of Exercise from Text Book
1. Fill in the blanks:
(i) The rule of triad was introduced by Dobereiner.
(ii) The repetition of properties after regular intervals is called Periodicity.
(iii) The longest period is Sixth period and contains 12 elements.
(iv) The elements that contain both metallic and non-metallic characteristics are called
Metalloids.
(v) The long form of periodic table contains 8 groups and 7 periods.
(vi) According to Medeleev the properties of the elements are the periodic functions of their
atomic mass.

2. Tick true or false in the following statements:

(i) Mendeleev put forward his periodic law n 1956. False
(ii) The first period contains two elements, Hydrogen and Helium. True
(iii) The longest period in periodic table is 7th Period. False
(iv) Lanthanides and actinides are ‘d’-block elements. False
(v) Down the group the electro-negativity increases with increasing atomic number. False
(vi) The law of octave was introduced by John Newland. True
(vii) Li7, N22, and K39 form a triad. True

3. Pick up the answer: (Multiple Choice Questions):

(i) Mendeleev’s period table contained 12 periods.
(a) 7 (b) 8 (c) 12 (d) 10
(ii) The incomplete table in the periodic table is Period 7
(a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 3 (d) 1
(iii) The most reactive metal is Na
(a) Na (b) Cu (c) Fe (d) Ca
(iii) the only liquid metal is Mercury
(a) Molybdenum (b) Gold (c) Mercury (d) Bromine
(iv) Lother Meyer’s curve almost fifty six
(a) thirty (b) forty (c) fifty six (d) sixty two
(iv) To which family does Ga belong ?
(a) Boron (b) Carbon (c) Nitrogen (d) Fluorine
(v) The elements of VIIA group are known as Halogens
(a) Halogens (b) Lanthanides (c) Actinides (d) None

4. Write answer to the following questions:

(i) Define the following:
(a) Dobereiner’s rule of triad (b) Periodicity (c) Modern periodic Law(d) Electron-negativity.
Answers (a): Q. 2.
Answers (b): Q. 8.
Answers (c): Q. 9.
Answers (d): Q. 15.4

(ii) If an element contains two shells only and its outer-shell contains five electrons then to which
group the element belongs in the periodic table. Name the element. Predict its period.

Problem
Given: Number of shells: 2
Outermost shell contains No. of electrons: 5
Required: Group in periodic table
Name of element
Period in periodic table
Solution: Number of electron sell = Period number = 2

25
 Number of valence electrons = Group number = 5
The elements belong to Group V and Period number 2 is Nitrogen (N).

(iii) State Mendellev’s periodic Law. Describe Mendeleev’s. Write down advantages and
disadvantages of Mendeleev’s periodic table.
Answers: Q. 6.

(iv) Explain Newland’s law of octave. How this law provided the larger scope for the classification of
the elements?
Answer: Q. 4.

(v) Which pair of elements is chemically similar?

(a) K, Cr (b) Cu, Ca (c) F, Cl (d) N, O

Answer:
Pair F, Cl is chemically similar according to the periodic table, because, F (Fluorine) and Cl
(Chlorine) belongs to the same group, i.e Group VIIA of the periodic table.
Other pairs:
K belongs to Group Period
Cr belongs to Group Period
Therefore according to periodic table, the pair is chemically dissimilar
Cu belongs to Group Period
Ca belongs to Group Period
Therefore according to periodic table, the pair is chemically dissimilar
N belongs to Group Period
O belongs to Group Period
Therefore according to periodic table, the pair is chemically dissimilar

(vi) What do you understand by Long Form of periodic table? Explain some of its applications.
Answer: Q. 9.

(vii) Discuss some of the physical properties of the elements which exhibit periodicity.
Answer:
Physical properties
The physical properties are not related to electronic configuration or outmost shell. However, some of the
elements show repetition or periodicity in following physical properties.
(i) Heat conductivity
(ii) Electrical conductivity
(iii) Hardness
(iv) Density
(v) Melting Points / Boiling Points of elements in group IA, the decreases gradually from top
to bottom (with some deviations).
(vi) Ionization potential and Electro-negativity are physical properties. They show periodicity
in periodic table. Discussed in Q. 15.3 and 15.4

(viii) The elements having eight valence electrons are known as:
(a) Noble or inert gases (b) Halogens (c) Nitrogen family (d) Transition elements
Answer: (a) Noble or insert gases.

(ix) How does the modern periodic law differ from Mendeleev’s periodic law? Explain clearly the
groups and periods in modern periodic table.
Answer: Difference is that, there are 07 periods in Modern periodic table, and there are
12 periods in Mendeleev’s periodic table.
Answer Groups and Periods of Mendeleev’s periodic table: Q. 6.
Answer Groups and Periods of Modern periodic table: Q. 9.

26
(x) What do you understand by the periodic classification of the elements in the periodic tabular
form?
Answer: In modern periodic table, elements are arranged in classification according to
their atomic number and similar properties. The properties are repeated after
regular interval called periodicity.

(xi) What do you understand by representative and transition elements?

Answer: The Group ‘A’ of modern periodic table are divided into two sub-groups Sub-
group ‘A’ and ‘B’. The elements of Sub-group ‘A’ are called main or
Representative elements. Their properties are represented by valence electrons.
The elements of Sub-group ‘B’ are called main or Transition elements. Their
properties show a gradual change or transition between the two sets of
representative elements, on their each side.

(xii) Discuss the following physical properties of the elements.

(a) Ionization energy (b) Electron affinity (c) Electro-negativity (d) Atomic Radii
Answer (a) Q. 15.2
Answer (b) Q. 15.3
Answer (c) Q. 15.4
Answer (d) Q. 15.1

(xiii) What are Lanthanides and Actinide? Are they ‘d’ or ‘f’ block elements?
Answer: Q 13.

27
 3.14 MCQ’S – MULTUPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. The method of arranging elements with similar properties in the group and separating them from
elements with different properties is called classification of an element.
(a) Classification (b) Periodicity (c) arranging group (d) arranging period
2. Classification of elements is attempted in 1829 by Dobereiner.
(a) Newland (b) Dobereiner. (c) Mendeleev (d) Lother Meyer
3. Central atom of each set of Triad had an atomic mass almost equal to the arithmetical mean of the
atomic masses of other two elements.
(a) duplet (b) Octet (c) Triad (d) Pentode
4. The triads classification recognized for the first time, the relation between atomic mass of an element
and its properties.
(a) atomic number (b) atomic potential (c) atomic valence (d) atomic mass
5. In 1863, Newland arranged the elements known at that time in the order of their increasing atomic
masses.
(a) Newland (b) Dobereiner. (c) Mendeleev (d) Lother Meyer
6. Newland law is called law of Octave.
(a) Lother Meyer (b) Newland (c) Mendeleev (d) Dobereiner.
7. Repetition of properties after a regular intervals in a periodic table is called Periodicity
(a) Electricity (b) Electro-negativity (c) Periodicity (d) Electron Affinity
8. Lother Meyer in1869 published a periodic table in which he arranged 56 known elements on the
basis of their atomic masses in 9 vertical columns or groups from I to IX.
(a) Lother Meyer (b) Newland (c) Mendeleev (d) Dobereiner.
9. According to Mendeleev’s periodic law, the physical and chemical properties of elements are a
periodic function of their Atomic Weights.
(a) Atomic number (b) Formula number (c) Atomic Weights (d) zero number
10. There are 7 periods in modern periodic table
(a) 1 (b) 3 (c) 5 (d) 7
11. There are 8 groups in modern periodic table
(a) 8 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2
12. All the elements of group VA have allotropes except
(a) Phosphorous (b) Nitrogen (c) Arsenic (d) Antimony
13. The metalloid of group IIIA is
(a) Aluminum (b) Gallium (c) Boron (d) Indium
14. In group VIIA, the only element found in liquid state is
(a) Chlorine (b) Fluorine (c) Bromine (d) Iodine
15. Noble gases have eight electrons in their valence shells except
(a) Neon (b) Argon (c) Krypton (d) Xenon
16. The units of Ionization energy is KJ/mole
(a) KJ/mol (b) KJ/g (c) KJ/Kg (d) KJ/atom
17. The group number in a periodic table indicates Atomic number
(a) Atomic number (b) Formula number (c) Avogadro’s number (d) Prime number
18. Modern periodic law states that the physical and chemical properties of all elements are periodic
function of their atomic numbers.
(a) Prime number (b) Volume number (c) atomic numbers (d) mass number
19. Modern periodic table is known as Boh’r Long Form of periodic table.
(a) Short Form (b) Middle Form (c) Uni Form (d) Boh’r Long form
20. First period consist of 2 elements hydrogen and helium.
(a) Lithium (b) Sodium (c) Helium (d) Potassium
21. First and Second periods are called Short periods.
(a) Short (b) Long (c) Middle (d) Incomplete
22. Forth and fifth periods are called Long periods
(a) Short (b) Long (c) Middle (d) Incomplete
23. In forth period there are 8 Representative elements and 10 Transition elements.
28
 (a) Transition elements (b) Soft element (c) Hard elements (d) Normal elements
24. Metals are Electro-positive.
(a) Positive (b) Negative (c) Electro-negative (d) Electro-positive
25. Lanthanides and Actinides are the elements of block
(a) ‘s’ (b) ‘p’ (c) ‘d’ (d) ‘f’
26. Non-metals are Electro-negative.
(a) Positive (b) Negative (c) Electro-negative (d) Electro-positive
27. 1 A0 = 10-8 cm
(a) 10-8 cm (b) 10-10 cm (c) 10-12 cm (d) 10-14 cm
28. In long form of periodic table all elements having same number of valence electrons come under the
same vertical column called Group
(a) Period (b) Group (c) Rows (d) Plane lines
29. In long form of periodic table the Rare gases (Noble gases) are placed in Zero or VIIIA group of
periodic table.
(a) Zero or VIIIA (b) IA (c) IIA (d) VIIA
30. In long form of periodic table the number of elements in period corresponds to maximum number of
electrons which can be accommodated in its one shell.
(a) electrons (b) protons (c) neutrons (d) zeon
31. The elements group1B to group VIIIB are called Transition elements.
(a) Transition elements (b) Soft element (c) Hard elements (d) Normal elements
32. All the Isotopes of an element required only one place in the periodic table.
(a) Electrons (b) Protons (c) Neutrons (d) Magnetron
33. In long form of periodic table position of hydrogen is unresolved.
(a) Hydrogen (b) Nitrogen (c) Oxygen (d) Sodium
34. In an atom, the mass number represents the total number of protons and total number of Neutron.
(a) Electrons (b) Magnetron (c) Neutrons (d) protons
35. Location of Helium amongst the 'p-block element is not fully justified in long form of the periodic table.
(a) Hydrogen (b) Helium (c) Oxygen (d) Sodium
36. All periods except the first, start with an alkali metal.
(a) forth (b) third (c) Second (d) First
37. First period is the shortest period of the periodic table?
(a) first (b) second (c) third (d) forth
38. First period signifies the filling up of K shell.
(a) N (b) M (c) L (d) K
39. Second period start with Li and ends up with neon
(a) helium (b) neon (c) argon (d) krypton
40. Second and third periods are called
(a) Long period (b) short period (c) Lanthanides (d) Actinides
41. Second and third periods contain 8 elements
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8
42. Sixth period is the longest period containing 32 elements
(a) 25 (b) 28 (c) 30 (d) 32l
43. Seventh period is incomplete period.
(a) Seventh (b) Fifty (c) Third (d) First
44. Inner transition elements of group VI are called Lanthanides
(a) Long period (b) short period (c) Lanthanides (d) Actinides
45. Inner transition elements of group VI are called Actinides
(a) Long period (b) short period (c) Lanthanides (d) Actinides
46. Boron is metalloid
(a) Metal (b) Metalloid (c) Liquid (d) Non-metal
47. Outer most shell of group VIIIA is complete
(a) VIIIA (b) VIIA (c) VIA (d) VA
48. Halogen means Salt former.
(a) Acid former (b) Base former (c) Reduction (d) Oxidation
49. Fluorine is the most electro-negative element, with electro-negativity of four (04).
(a) Iodine (b) Bromine (c) Chlorine (d) Fluorine
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50. Cesium is the most electro-negative element
(a) Cesium (b) Rubidium (c) Potassium (d) Sodium
51. Tranisition elements are characterized by the filling up of electrons in ‘d’ and ‘f’ shell or orbits.
(a) Normal (b) Representative (c) radioactive (d) Transition
52. Argon (Ar) is the most abundant noble gas
(a) Argon (Ar) (b) Neon (Ne) (c) Krypton (Kr) (d) Xenon (Xe)
53. The element Radon (Ra) of group VIIIA is radioactive
(a) Radon (Ra) (b) Helium (c) Neon (Ne) (d) Xenon (Xe)
54. The element Astatine (At) of group VIIA is also radioactive
(a) Chlorine (Cl) (b) Bromine (Br) (c) Iodine (I) (d) Astatine (At)
55. Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag) and Gold (Au) are called Coinage metals
(a) Radioactive (b) Bad Conductor (c) Vintage (d) Coinage
56. the most reactive metal is Beryllium.
(a) Beryllium (b) Sodium (c) Helium (d) Neon
57. The force which holds atoms together in a molecule is called a chemical bond
(a) Attraction (b) bond (c) Force (d) Tension
58. Group Number VIIA in periodic table is incomplete
(a) Complete (b) Incomplete (c) Lanthanides (d) Actinides
59. The inert gas among the following is Krypton (Kr)
(a) Oxygen (b) Krypton (Kr) (c) Hydrogen (d) Chlorine
60. The noble gases are chemically inert because their valence shell contains 8 electrons.
(a) 8 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2
61. The minimum amount of energy required to remove the valence electron is called Ionization Energy
(a) Electro-positivity (b) Electro-negativity (c) Ionization Energy (d) Electron Affinity
62. The element which has the highest electro-negativity is Fluorine
(a) Fluorine (b) Chlorine (c) Bromine (d) Iodine
63. In periodic table, the number of Metalloids is 8.
(a) 8 (b) 10 (c) 12 (d) 14
64. The elements that posses the characteristics of both metals and non-metals is called Metalloids.
(a) Isotopes (b) Radioactive (c) Metalloids. (d) Transitive
65. Oxides of metalloids are Amphoteric, i.e. both acidic and basic in nature.
(a) Allotropic (b) Amphoteric (c) Amorphous (d) Atmospheric
66. The atomic radius can be defined as half the distance between two adjacent nuclei of two similar
atoms in touch with each other.
(a) atomic circle (b) atomic volume (c) atomic radius (d) atomic unit
67. Ionization energy is measured in KJ/mole
(a) Electron Affinity (b) Ionization energy (c) Electro-negativity (d) Electro-positivity
68. The ionization energy of hydrogen is 1312 KJ/mole
(a) Hydrogen (b) Helium (c) Lithium (d) Sodium
69. Electron Affinity is defined as the energy change that occurs when an electron is gained by an atom
in the gaseous state.
(a) Electron Affinity (b) Ionization energy (c) Electro-negativity (d) Electro-positivity
70. The unit of electron affinity is KJ/mole
(a) J/mole (b) J/k mole (c) KJ/mole (d) KJ/k mole
71. Electron affinity increase from left to right in periodic table
(a) increases (b) decreases (c) remains same (d) becomes zero

72. the elements of Group B are called Transition elements.

(a) Transition (b) Representative (c) Normal (d) Extra-ordinary
73. Elements of a group have same number of electrons.
(a) protons (b) neutrons (c) electrons (d) nucleus
74. Outermost shell of Group VA five electrons.
(a) five (b) four (c) three (d) two
75. Halogens are found in sea water in the form of oxide.
(a) oxide (b) hydride (c) nitride (d) halide
76. Noble gases are mono atomic
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 (a) mono atomic (b) di atomic (c) tri-Atomic (d) tetra-atomic
77. Carbon, Nitrogen and Chlorine are non-metals
(a) metals (b) non-metals (c) gases (d) liquids
78. Metalloids are semiconductor, i.e. behave both as metal and non-metal
(a) Metalloids (b) allotropes (c) isotopes (d) nuclides
79. The ‘d’ block elements are called outer transition
(a) heavy (b) uniform (c) outer transition (d) inner transition
80. The ‘f’ block elements are called inner transition
(a) heavy (b) uniform (c) outer transition (d) inner transition
81. Electro-negativity is defined as the relative tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract shared pair
of electrons to itself.
(a) electron affinity (b) ionization energy (c) Electro-negativity (d) Electro-positivity
82. Electro-negativity is denoted by a number and has no unit.
(a) electron affinity (b) ionization energy (c) Electro-negativity (d) Electro-positivity
83. Linus Pauling considered the Electro-negativity of Fluorine as standard with its value is 4.
(a) electron affinity (b) ionization energy (c) Electro-negativity (d) Electro-positivity
84. Elements with high ionization energy and large electron affinity have high electron-negativity.
(a) zero (b) Low (c) High (d) infinite
85. Cat-ions are more elctro-negative than parent atoms.
(a) An-ion (b) Cat-ion (c) Super-ion (d) Extra-ion
86. The reactivity of metals is measured in terms of their tendency to share electrons from their
outermost shell.
(a) gain (b) lose (c) share (d) remove
87. The reactivity of Sodium (Na) is greater than Magnesium (Mg).
(a) equal (b) less than (c) greater than (d) less than or equal to
88. During a chemical reaction non-metals tend to form an-ion
(a) An-ion (b) Cat-ion (c) Super-ion (d) Extra-ion
89. Sodium (Na) has the valency of one (01), it is placed in Group-I
(a) Group-I (b) Group-II (c) Group-III (d) Group-IV
90. Number of noble gases are six (06)
(a) two (2) (b) four (04) (c) six (06) (d) eight (08)
91. Moseley arranged the elements in periodic table on the basis of Atomic number
(a) Atomic number (b) Atomic mass (c) Atomic power (d) Nuclear power
92. Mendeleev presented eight (08) number of groups in his periodic table
(a) two (2) (b) four (04) (c) six (06) (d) eight (08)
93. Mendeleev presented twelve 12 number of periods in his periodic table
(a) twelve 12 (b) ten (10) (c) eight (08) (d) six (06)
94. In modern periodic table the are seven (07) periods
(a) twelve 12 (b) ten (10) (c) eight (08) (d) seven (07)
95. In modern periodic table the are eight (08) groups
(a) two (2) (b) four (04) (c) six (06) (d) eight (08)
96. Group I to VIII of modern periodic table are further divided into sub-groups of Sub group ‘A’ & ‘B’.
(a) Sub group ‘A’ & ‘B’ (b) Sub group ‘P’ & ‘Q’(c) Sub group ‘X’ & ‘Y’ (d) Sub group ‘C’ & ‘D’
97. The pair of elements placed in group I are ‘H’ and ‘He’
(a) ‘Li’ and ‘Na’ (b) ‘He’, ‘Li’ (c) ‘H’ and ‘He’ (d) ‘C’ and ‘O’
98. In modern periodic table period 6 number is longest.
(a) period 2 (b) period 4 (c) period 6 (d) period 8
99. Period 7 is still incomplete in modern periodic table
(a) period 2 (b) period 4 (c) period 6 (d) period 7
100. Oxygen is placed in Group VIA, there are six (06) number of electrons present in group VIIA of
the modern periodic table
(a) two (2) (b) foru (04) (c) six (06) (d) eight (8)
101. Chlorine is placed in Group VIIA, there are seven (07) number of electrons present in group VIIA
of the modern periodic table
(a) two (2) (b) foru (04) (c) seven (07) (d) eight (8)

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102. There are 7 electrons in the outermost shell of Iodine (I). It belongs to Group VIIA of the modern
periodic table.
(a) Group VIIA (b) Group VIA (c) Group VA (d) Group IVA
103. Mercury (Hg) is the only metal that occur in liquid form at room temperature
(a) Mercury (Hg) (b) Lithium (Li) (c) Sodium (Na) (d) Potassium (K)
104. The element Lithium (Li) has the greatest ionization energy.
(a) Rubidium (Rb) (b) Lithium (Li) (c) Sodium (Na) (d) Potassium (K)
105. Energy of an atom remains constant when a negative ion is formed.
(a) absorbed (b) released (c) remains constant (d) becomes zero
106. Energy of an atom absorbed when a positive ion is formed.
(a) absorbed (b) released (c) remains constant (d) becomes zero
107. Naturally the elements of actinide series are radioactive.
(a) Alkali metal (b) alkaline earth metal (c) Lanthanide (d) Actinide
108. The elements of Group II are called Alkaline earth metals
(a) Alkali (b) alkaline earth (c) Lanthanide (d) Actinide
109. The relative tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract shared pair of electrons to itself is called
Electron Affinity.
(a) Electron Affinity (b) Ionization energy (c) electro-negativity (d) electro-positivity
110. The Group VIIIB elements are placed on right side of the modern periodic table.
(a) left side (b) right side (c) on top (d) at the bottom

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