Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
C L A S S X I C H E M I S T R Y
Chapter 3
Classification of Elements and
Periodicity in Properties
NCERT | CBSE | Complete Study Notes
1. Why Do We Need to Classify Elements?
Discovery context: By the end of the 19th century, 63 elements were known. Studying each
element separately was highly inconvenient.
Purpose of classification: To arrange elements in a systematic way so that their properties
can be studied easily and new elements can be predicted.
KEY POINT: Classification helps to predict properties of unknown elements based on their
position in the periodic table.
2. Early Attempts at Classification
2.1 Döbereiner's Triads (1829)
Proposed by: Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner, German chemist.
Law of Triads: When elements are arranged in increasing order of their atomic masses, groups
of three elements (triads) with similar properties are formed, and the atomic mass of the middle
element is approximately the arithmetic mean of the first and third.
Triad Element AM Element 2 AM Element AM
1 (middle) 3
Halogen Chlorine 35.5 Bromine (Br) 80 Iodine (I) 127
Triad (Cl)
Alkali Triad Lithium 7 Sodium (Na) 23 Potassium 39
(Li) (K)
Calcium Calcium 40 Strontium (Sr) 88 Barium 137
Triad (Ca) (Ba)
LIMITATION: Could not arrange all known elements into triads. Only a few elements obeyed
this rule.
2.2 Newlands' Law of Octaves (1865)
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Proposed by: John Alexander Reina Newlands, British chemist.
Law of Octaves: When elements are arranged in increasing order of atomic masses, every
eighth element has properties similar to the first element, just like the eighth note of a musical
scale (octave).
EXAMPLE: Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Na — Sodium (8th) has properties similar to Lithium (1st).
● Limitations:
○ Only worked for lighter elements (up to calcium); failed for heavier elements.
○ He placed two elements in one slot (e.g., Co and Ni) to maintain the octave.
○ Noble gases had not yet been discovered; their inclusion disrupted the pattern.
2.3 Lother Meyer's Atomic Volume Curve (1869)
Lother Meyer plotted atomic volume vs. atomic mass and showed periodicity — elements at
similar points on the curve had similar properties.
His work was largely done in parallel with Mendeleev but published slightly later.
2.4 Mendeleev's Periodic Table (1869)
Proposed by: Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev, Russian chemist.
Mendeleev's Periodic Law: The properties of the elements are a periodic function of their
atomic masses.
Features of Mendeleev's Table
● Elements arranged in horizontal rows called Periods (7 periods) and vertical columns called
Groups.
● Elements with similar properties placed in the same group.
● Left blank spaces for elements not yet discovered (eka-aluminium, eka-silicon, eka-boron).
Predicted Modern Symbol Predicted Actual Atomic
Element Name Atomic Mass Mass
Eka-Boron Scandium Sc 44 44.96
Eka- Gallium Ga 68 69.72
Aluminium
Eka-Silicon Germanium Ge 72 72.63
Merits of Mendeleev's Periodic Table
1. Systematic study of elements became possible.
2. Predicted properties of undiscovered elements accurately (eka-boron, eka-aluminium, eka-
silicon).
3. Could accommodate newly discovered noble gases in a new Group 0 without disturbing the
arrangement.
Anomalies / Limitations
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
● Position of hydrogen: Hydrogen resembles both alkali metals (Group IA) and halogens
(Group VIIA); its position remained controversial.
● Increasing atomic mass not always correct: Ar (39.9) comes before K (39.1); Co before
Ni — violated the atomic mass order.
● Isotopes: Isotopes of the same element have different atomic masses but same properties
— they should occupy the same position, causing confusion.
● Dissimilar elements grouped together: e.g., Cu and Ag with Na and K in Group I.
3. Modern Periodic Law and the Modern Periodic Table
3.1 Modern Periodic Law
Proposed by: Henry Moseley (1913), based on X-ray spectroscopy experiments.
MODERN PERIODIC LAW: The physical and chemical properties of elements are the
periodic functions of their atomic numbers (not atomic masses).
This resolved all anomalies of Mendeleev's table: Ar–K, Co–Ni, and Te–I positions were
justified.
3.2 Structure of the Modern Periodic Table
The modern periodic table consists of 118 elements arranged in 7 horizontal rows (periods) and
18 vertical columns (groups).
Periods
Period No. of Elements Included Shells Filled
Elements
1 (Very 2 H, He K (n=1)
Short)
2 (Short) 8 Li to Ne L (n=2)
3 (Short) 8 Na to Ar M (n=3)
4 (Long) 18 K to Kr N (n=4)
5 (Long) 18 Rb to Xe O (n=5)
6 (Very 32 Cs to Rn P (n=6)
Long)
7 32 Fr to Og Q (n=7)
(Incomplete)
Groups
● 18 Groups (IUPAC 1–18 numbering system).
● Group 1 = Alkali metals (except H); Group 2 = Alkaline earth metals.
● Groups 3–12 = d-block transition elements.
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
● Groups 13–18 = p-block elements.
● Groups 1–2 and 13–18 = s and p block (main group elements).
● Lanthanoids (57–71) and Actinoids (89–103) = f-block elements (placed below the main
table).
3.3 Classification into Blocks
Block Elements Last electron Groups Nature
enters
s-block Groups 1 & 2 s orbital 1, 2 Mostly metals
p-block Groups 13 to 18 p orbital 13–18 Metals, non-
metals, metalloids
d-block Transition d orbital 3–12 Metals (transition)
elements
f-block Inner transition f orbital Below Metals
(Ln + An) table (lanthanoids +
actinoids)
REMEMBER: Noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn) belong to Group 18 of p-block. Helium has
1s² but is placed in p-block due to its inert properties.
4. Electronic Configuration and Periodicity
Period number = number of the outermost shell (principal quantum number of valence shell).
Group number can be determined from the electronic configuration:
● s-block elements (Group 1 & 2): Group no. = no. of valence electrons
● p-block elements (Groups 13–18): Group no. = 10 + no. of valence electrons
● d-block elements (Groups 3–12): Group no. = no. of (n–1)d + ns electrons
EXAMPLE: Phosphorus: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³ → 3rd period, 5 valence e⁻ → Group 10+5 = 15.
5. Periodic Trends in Properties
5.1 Atomic Radius (Atomic Size)
Definition: Half the distance between the centres of two adjacent atoms of the same element.
Types of Atomic Radius
● Covalent radius: Half the internuclear distance between two identical covalently bonded
atoms (e.g., Cl–Cl bond in Cl₂ → r = 99 pm).
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
● van der Waals radius: Half the distance between non-bonded adjacent atoms of two
molecules in a solid. Always larger than covalent radius.
● Metallic radius: Half the internuclear distance between two adjacent metal atoms in a
metallic crystal. Larger than covalent radius.
van der Waals radius > Metallic radius > Covalent radius
Trend: Atomic Radius across a Period (left → right)
● DECREASES → because nuclear charge (Z) increases while the number of shells remains
the same → greater pull on electrons → electrons drawn closer to nucleus.
Trend: Atomic Radius down a Group (top → bottom)
● INCREASES → because a new shell is added in each period → increased shielding effect
and increased distance from nucleus.
Trend Direction Atomic Radius Reason
Period: left → right Decreases Increasing nuclear charge, same no. of shells
Group: top → bottom Increases New shell added, greater shielding
5.2 Ionic Radius
Definition: Radius of an ion in an ionic crystal.
● Cations (positive ions): Loss of electrons → electron cloud contracts → ionic radius LESS
than atomic radius. E.g., Na⁺ (102 pm) < Na (186 pm).
● Anions (negative ions): Gain of electrons → electron–electron repulsion increases → ionic
radius GREATER than atomic radius. E.g., Cl⁻ (181 pm) > Cl (99 pm).
ISOELECTRONIC SPECIES: Species with same number of electrons but different nuclear
charges. Among isoelectronic species, greater the nuclear charge → smaller the radius. E.g.,
N³⁻ > O²⁻ > F⁻ > Ne > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Al³⁺
5.3 Ionisation Enthalpy (Ionisation Energy)
Definition: The minimum energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from an
isolated gaseous atom in its ground state.
M(g) → M⁺ (g) + e⁻ ΔᵢH = First Ionisation Enthalpy
● First IE < Second IE < Third IE (successive IEs increase, as removing from positive ion is
harder).
Trend: IE across a Period (left → right)
● Generally INCREASES → increasing nuclear charge, same shielding, smaller atomic size
→ harder to remove electrons.
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
● Exceptions: IE of Be > B (B loses p-electron, easier); IE of N > O (N has stable half-filled
2p³, extra electron pair in O repels easier).
Trend: IE down a Group (top → bottom)
● DECREASES → increasing atomic size and shielding → outer electrons loosely held →
easier to remove.
Group 13 Element First IE (kJ/mol) Note
B (Boron) 800 Highest in group
Al (Aluminium) 577 Decreases
Ga (Gallium) 579 Slightly higher than Al due to poor d-shielding
In (Indium) 558
Tl (Thallium) 589 Slightly higher due to f-shielding effect
5.4 Electron Gain Enthalpy (Electron Affinity)
Definition: The enthalpy change when an electron is added to a neutral gaseous atom to form a
gaseous anion.
X(g) + e⁻ → X⁻ (g) ΔₑgH = Electron Gain Enthalpy
● Negative ΔₑgH → exothermic; energy is released (more stable anion). E.g., Cl(g) + e⁻ →
Cl⁻ (g), ΔₑgH = –349 kJ/mol.
● Positive ΔₑgH → endothermic; energy must be supplied. Noble gases and atoms with
stable configurations (Be, Mg, N) have positive or near-zero values.
Trends
● Across a period: Generally becomes more negative (more exothermic) due to increasing
nuclear charge and smaller size.
● Down a group: Generally becomes less negative (less exothermic) as atomic size
increases and electron is farther from nucleus.
● Exception: Electron gain enthalpy of F (–328) is less negative than Cl (–349) because F is
very small → electron–electron repulsions in compact 2p subshell.
Element ΔₑgH (kJ/mol) Observation
F –328 Less than Cl due to small size
Cl –349 Highest in Group 17
Br –325 Decreasing trend
I –295 Least in Group 17
O –141 Less than S
S –200 More negative than O
5.5 Electronegativity
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Definition: The ability of an atom in a chemical compound to attract the shared pair of electrons
towards itself.
● Pauling scale: Most commonly used. F is most electronegative (4.0); Fr is least
electronegative (0.7).
● Mulliken scale: Average of ionisation energy and electron affinity.
● Allred-Rochow scale: Based on electrostatic force.
Trends
● Across a period (left → right): INCREASES — more nuclear charge, smaller size.
● Down a group (top → bottom): DECREASES — increasing atomic size and shielding.
USE: Electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms determines the polarity of a
bond and predicts bond character (ionic vs covalent).
5.6 Valency and Oxidation States
Valency: The number of electrons an atom can lose, gain or share to achieve stable noble gas
configuration.
● Across a period: Valency first increases (1 → 4) then decreases (4 → 0) for the short
periods.
● Down a group: Valency generally remains the same (same number of valence electrons).
Element (Period 3) Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
Valency 1 2 3 4 3,5 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 0
6. Periodic Trends in Chemical Properties
6.1 Metallic and Non-Metallic Character
● Metallic character (tendency to lose electrons): DECREASES across a period;
INCREASES down a group.
● Non-metallic character (tendency to gain electrons): INCREASES across a period;
DECREASES down a group.
EXAMPLE: Na > Mg > Al > Si > P > S > Cl — metallic character decreases across Period 3.
6.2 Reactivity of Metals and Non-Metals
● Metals: Reactivity increases down a group (easier to lose electrons as atomic size
increases).
● Non-metals: Reactivity decreases down a group (harder to gain electrons as atomic size
increases).
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Diagonal Relationship: Elements in the second period often resemble the element diagonally
placed in the third period. E.g., Li–Mg, Be–Al, B–Si.
6.3 Oxides and Their Nature
Type of Element Type of Oxide Example Nature in Water
Alkali metal Basic oxide Na₂ O Strong base (NaOH)
Alkaline earth metal Basic oxide MgO Weak base (Mg(OH)₂ )
Metalloid Amphoteric oxide Al₂ O₃ Acts as acid and base
Non-metal Acidic oxide SO₃ , P₄ O₁ ₀ Acid (H₂ SO₄ , H₃ PO₄ )
Noble gas No oxide typically — —
Trend across period: Oxides change from basic → amphoteric → acidic as we move from
metals to non-metals (left → right).
6.4 Anomalous Behaviour of Second-Period Elements
The first element of each group (2nd period) often shows anomalous behaviour compared to
heavier members of the group.
● Small size and high charge density → high electronegativity, strong polarisation ability.
● Maximum covalency = 4 (only 4 orbitals in n=2 shell: 2s, 2px, 2py, 2pz — no d orbitals
available).
● Examples: Li differs from Na (forms covalent compounds); Be resembles Al (amphoteric
oxide); B resembles Si.
7. Quick Summary — Periodic Trends at a Glance
Property Across Period Down Group (↓) Key Exception
(→)
Atomic Radius Decreases Increases Noble gases (van der Waals)
Ionic Radius Decreases (for Increases Isoelectronic series
isoelectronic:
more Z → smaller)
Ionisation Enthalpy Generally Decreases Be>B; N>O (half-filled stability)
increases
Electron Gain Generally more Less negative Cl > F (F too small)
Enthalpy negative
Electronegativity Increases Decreases Noble gases not assigned
Metallic Character Decreases Increases —
Non-Metallic Increases Decreases —
Character
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Property Across Period Down Group (↓) Key Exception
(→)
Valency Increases 1→4, Generally Multiple valencies in p-block
then decreases constant
8. Key Formulae and Mnemonics
8.1 Important Formulae
Atomic Radius ∝ 1 / Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff)
Zeff = Z − σ (Slater's screening constant)
Power of Lens P = 1/f(m) [not here — skip]
IE increases: IE₁ < IE₂ < IE₃ (successive IEs)
Electronegativity (Mulliken) = (IE + EGA) / 2
8.2 Mnemonic — Order of Blocks
'Strong Students Do Fine' → s, p, d, f blocks (left to right in periodic table)
8.3 Mnemonic — Anomalous IE
'Be and N are special' → IE of Be > B and IE of N > O (because of half-filled/fully-filled stability)
9. Important NCERT Points & Exam Tips
9.1 One-Liners to Remember
● Moseley's law: ν = a(Z − b)² — frequency of X-rays ∝ (Z − screening constant)²
● Atomic number determines element's position in periodic table, not atomic mass.
● Lanthanoids (La to Lu, Z = 57–71) and Actinoids (Ac to Lr, Z = 89–103) are f-block elements.
● All noble gases have zero electron affinity (they don't easily form anions).
● Fluorine has the highest electronegativity (4.0 Pauling) and chlorine has the highest electron
affinity.
● Caesium (Cs) is the largest atom; Helium is the smallest.
● The diagonal relationship is attributed to similar charge/radius ratio (polarising power).
● Second ionisation enthalpy shows a very large jump for alkali metals (removing from noble
gas config).
9.2 Common Exam Questions
4. State and explain Mendeleev's periodic law. What are its limitations?
5. How does the modern periodic table differ from Mendeleev's table?
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Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
6. Why is the ionisation enthalpy of N higher than that of O?
7. Why is electron gain enthalpy of fluorine less negative than chlorine?
8. Define electronegativity. How does it vary across a period and down a group?
9. What are isoelectronic species? Arrange N³⁻ , O²⁻ , F⁻ , Na⁺ , Mg²⁺ in increasing order of
ionic radius.
10. Explain the diagonal relationship between Li and Mg.
11. What is the basis of classifying elements into s, p, d and f blocks?
10. Previous Year CBSE Board Questions
Compiled from CBSE Board Examinations 2015–2024 | Chapter 3
10.1 One-Mark Questions (VSA)
Q1. What is the basic difference in the approach between Mendeleev's Periodic Law and
the Modern Periodic Law? [CBSE 2020 | 1M]
Hint: Mendeleev based classification on atomic mass; Modern law uses atomic number
(Moseley).
Q2. In the modern periodic table, in which period are the 4f elements found? [CBSE 2019
| 1M]
Hint: 4f elements (Lanthanoids) are found in Period 6 of the modern periodic table.
Q3. Arrange the following in increasing order of ionic radii: Na+, Mg2+, Al3+ (all
isoelectronic). [CBSE 2018 | 1M]
Hint: All have 10 electrons. More nuclear charge = smaller radius: Al3+ < Mg2+ < Na+.
Q4. Which of the following has the smallest size: Na, Na+, Mg, Mg2+? [CBSE 2017 | 1M]
Hint: Mg2+ — highest nuclear charge with same number of electrons as the others in its
isoelectronic set.
Q5. The element with atomic number 56 belongs to which block of the periodic table?
[CBSE 2016 | 1M]
Hint: Z=56 is Barium (Ba) — electronic config ends in 6s², so it is an s-block element.
Q6. Ionisation enthalpy of nitrogen is greater than that of oxygen. Give reason. [CBSE
2023 | 1M]
Hint: N has stable half-filled 2p3 config (extra stability). O has a paired electron in 2p which
repels, making it easier to remove.
Page — Classification of Elements & Periodicity in Properties
Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Q7. Why do noble gases have very low electron gain enthalpy (positive value)? [CBSE
2022 | 1M]
Hint: Noble gases have completely filled stable configurations — adding an electron would
require placing it in the next higher energy shell, needing energy input.
Q8. Define electron gain enthalpy. How does it differ from electron affinity? [CBSE 2015 |
1M]
Hint: Electron gain enthalpy = enthalpy change when e- is added to gaseous atom. Electron
affinity = energy released — the terms are related but EA is often treated as a positive quantity.
10.2 Two-Mark Questions (SA-I)
Q9. State the Modern Periodic Law. How does it remove the anomaly of isotopes in
Mendeleev's table? [CBSE 2024 | 2M]
Hint: Modern law: properties are periodic functions of atomic number. Isotopes have same Z but
different mass — so they occupy same position correctly (no anomaly).
Q10. Why is the first ionisation enthalpy of Be greater than that of B? Explain. [CBSE
2023 | 2M]
Hint: Be: 2s2 (fully filled s orbital — extra stability). B: 2s2 2p1 (p electron is easier to remove
than paired s electron). So IE1 of Be > B.
Q11. Arrange Na, Mg, Al, Si in increasing order of ionisation enthalpy. Give reason.
[CBSE 2022 | 2M]
Hint: Across period, Z increases, size decreases, IE increases: Na < Mg < Al < Si (Note: Be/N
type exceptions not relevant here).
Q12. What is a diagonal relationship? Illustrate with an example. [CBSE 2021 | 2M]
Hint: Second-period element resembles third-period element one step to the right. E.g., Li
resembles Mg, Be resembles Al — similar ionic radii and charge/radius ratio.
Q13. Explain why atomic radius decreases across a period but increases down a group.
[CBSE 2020 | 2M]
Hint: Across period: Z increases, same no. of shells, more pull on electrons. Down a group: new
shell added each period, increased shielding reduces effective nuclear charge on outer
electrons.
Q14. What do you understand by isoelectronic species? Arrange O2-, F-, Na+, Mg2+ in
increasing order of ionic radius. [CBSE 2019 | 2M]
Hint: Same no. of electrons (10 here). More nuclear charge = smaller size. Order: Mg2+ < Na+
< F- < O2-.
Page — Classification of Elements & Periodicity in Properties
Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Q15. The electron gain enthalpy of F is less negative than that of Cl. Explain. [CBSE 2018
| 2M]
Hint: F is very small — its compact 2p orbitals cause strong electron-electron repulsions when
an extra electron is added. Cl has larger 3p orbitals, less repulsion, more stable Cl-.
Q16. How does the nature of oxides change across Period 3 (Na to Cl)? [CBSE 2017 | 2M]
Hint: Na2O, MgO — basic; Al2O3 — amphoteric; SiO2 — weakly acidic; P4O10, SO3, Cl2O7
— acidic. Basic to acidic from left to right.
10.3 Three-Mark Questions (SA-II)
Q17. (a) State Mendeleev's Periodic Law. (b) Give any two merits of Mendeleev's
periodic table. (c) State one anomaly of Mendeleev's table. [CBSE 2024 | 3M]
Hint: (a) Properties are periodic function of atomic masses. (b) Predicted undiscovered
elements; accommodated noble gases. (c) Position of H controversial; Co placed before Ni
despite higher mass.
Q18. Write the electronic configuration of the element with Z=35. Identify its period,
group and block. Also state its valency. [CBSE 2023 | 3M]
Hint: Z=35 is Br: [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p5. Period 4, Group 17, p-block. Valency = 1 (needs 1 electron
to complete octet).
Q19. Define ionisation enthalpy. Discuss the factors that influence the ionisation enthalpy
of an element. [CBSE 2022 | 3M]
Hint: Factors: (1) Atomic size — larger size, lower IE. (2) Nuclear charge — higher Z, higher IE.
(3) Shielding effect — more shielding, lower IE. (4) Penetration of orbitals — s > p > d > f.
Q20. How would you explain the fact that the first ionisation enthalpy of sodium is lower
than that of magnesium, but its second ionisation enthalpy is higher than that of
magnesium? [CBSE 2021 | 3M]
Hint: Na: loses 1e- easily (IE1 low). After losing 1e-, Na+ has noble gas config — removing 2nd
e- needs enormous energy. Mg: after losing 2e-, Mg2+ is noble gas config. So IE2(Na) >>
IE2(Mg).
Q21. Discuss the factors affecting the electron gain enthalpy of an element. Why do
noble gases have positive electron gain enthalpies? [CBSE 2020 | 3M]
Hint: Factors: nuclear charge, atomic size, electronic configuration. Noble gases have filled
orbitals — extra electron must enter next shell (energy required, so positive value).
Q22. (a) What is electronegativity? (b) How does it vary in a group and across a period?
(c) What is the relationship between electronegativity difference and bond polarity?
[CBSE 2019 | 3M]
Page — Classification of Elements & Periodicity in Properties
Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Hint: (a) Tendency of bonded atom to attract shared electrons. (b) Decreases down group (size
increases); increases across period (Z increases). (c) Greater electronegativity difference =
more polar/ionic bond.
10.4 Five-Mark Questions (LA)
Q23. (a) State the Modern Periodic Law and describe the structure of the long form of
the periodic table. (b) Explain why the element with Z=119 would be an alkali metal. (c)
Why do transition metals have irregular electronic configurations? [CBSE 2024 | 5M]
Hint: (a) Modern law = properties periodic function of Z. Long form: 7 periods, 18 groups, s/p/d/f
blocks. (b) Z=119: config would end in 8s1 — one valence electron, Group 1, alkali metal. (c)
Half-filled/fully-filled d orbitals are extra stable (e.g., Cr: [Ar]3d5 4s1 not 3d4 4s2).
Q24. (a) Discuss briefly how Mendeleev could predict the properties of yet to be
discovered elements. Give one example. (b) How does Modern Periodic Law remove
three anomalies of Mendeleev's table? (c) What is the significance of atomic number in
the periodic table? [CBSE 2022 | 5M]
Hint: (a) Left gaps in table with predicted properties — e.g., eka-silicon (Ge). (b) Anomalies
removed: (i) Ar-K, Co-Ni, Te-I justified by Z; (ii) isotopes — same Z, same position; (iii) position
of H — still not perfectly resolved but Z-based placement is logical. (c) Z uniquely identifies
element; all properties tied to Z, not mass.
Q25. (a) Define the following: (i) Ionisation enthalpy (ii) Electron gain enthalpy (iii)
Electronegativity. (b) Among Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl — which has the highest first
ionisation enthalpy and why? (c) Explain why second ionisation enthalpy of Mg is lower
than that of Na. [CBSE 2021 | 5M]
Hint: (a) Definitions as per NCERT. (b) Cl — highest Z, smallest size in the sequence (excluding
noble gas). Note: P has slightly higher IE than S due to half-filled 3p3. (c) Na's 2nd IE involves
removing from Ne-like config (very stable) — very large. Mg's 2nd IE removes from Mg+ (one e-
already gone from 3s2) — less energy needed.
10.5 MCQ & Assertion–Reason Type (2020–2024 Pattern)
Q26. ASSERTION (A): The first ionisation enthalpy of Be is greater than that of B.
REASON (R): 2s orbital is more penetrating and closer to nucleus than 2p orbital. [CBSE
2023 | 1M]
Hint: Answer: (a) — Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation. Be loses 2s
electron; B loses 2p which is easier.
Q27. ASSERTION (A): Na+ ion is smaller than Na atom. REASON (R): After losing an
electron, the nuclear charge acts on fewer electrons, pulling them closer. [CBSE 2022 |
1M]
Hint: Answer: (a) — Both true and R correctly explains A. Na: 11p, 11e. Na+: 11p, 10e —
effective nuclear charge per electron increases.
Page — Classification of Elements & Periodicity in Properties
Class XI Chemistry | Chapter 3: Classification of Elements & Periodicity CBSE Notes
Q28. ASSERTION (A): Electron gain enthalpy of O is less negative than S. REASON
(R): Oxygen atom is smaller, so electron-electron repulsion is greater when an electron
is added. [CBSE 2021 | 1M]
Hint: Answer: (a) — Both true and R correctly explains. O's compact 2p orbitals have greater
repulsion than S's larger 3p orbitals.
Q29. Which of the following orders of ionic radii is correct? (A) Na+ > Mg2+ > Al3+ (B)
Al3+ > Mg2+ > Na+ (C) Na+ = Mg2+ = Al3+ (D) Mg2+ > Na+ > Al3+ [CBSE 2020 | 1M]
Hint: Answer: (A) — Isoelectronic series (10e each). More nuclear charge = smaller radius:
Al3+(13p) < Mg2+(12p) < Na+(11p).
Q30. The correct order of decreasing ionisation energy among Be, B, C, N, O is: (A) N >
O > C > B > Be (B) O > N > C > B > Be (C) N > C > O > Be > B (D) Be > B > C > N >
O [CBSE 2019 | 1M]
Hint: Answer: (A) — N (half-filled 2p3) > O, and Be (filled 2s2) > B (2p1). Overall: N > O > C > B
> Be.
End of Chapter 3 Notes with Previous Year Questions | Class XI Chemistry | CBSE / NCERT
Page — Classification of Elements & Periodicity in Properties