Preview Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry For Competitive Exams by Ananya Ganguly (2010)

Fundamentals of

Inorganic
Chemisty

Ananya Ganguly

Chandigarh • Delhi • Chennai


The aim of this publication is to supply information taken from sources believed to be valid and reliable. This is not an
attempt to render any type of professional advice or analysis, nor is it to be treated as such. While much care has been
taken to ensure the veracity and currency of the information presented within, neither the publisher, nor its authors
bear any responsibility for any damage arising from inadvertent omissions, negligence or inaccuracies (typographical
or factual) that may have found their way into this book.
Copyright © 2011 Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd
Licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia
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Contents
Preface

v

Chapter 1

Periodic Properties and Chemical bonding

Chapter 2

Alkali Metals (+2)

2.1—2.33

Chapter 3

Group-II Alkaline Earth Metals

3.1—3.28

Chapter 4

Group13-Boron Family

4.1—4.56

Chapter 5

Group14-Carbon Family

5.1—5.54

Chapter 6

Group15-Nitrogen Family

6.1—6.54

Chapter 7

Group16-Oxygen Family

7.1—7.44

Chapter 8

Group17-Halogens

8.1—8.36

Chapter 9

Group18-Noble Gases

9.1—9.16

1.1—1.110

Chapter 10 Hydrogen 

10.1—10.23

Chapter 11

11.1—11.55

Co-ordination Chemistry

Chapter 12 Transition Elements (d-block) and Their Compounds

12.1—12.57

Chapter 13 Principles of Metallurgy

13.1—13.48

Chapter 14 Salt Analysis

14.1—14.65

Question Bank

QB.3—QB.94


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Preface
In recent years, the question format of non-medical examinations like IIT-JEE and AIEEE has been
restructured with greater emphasis on the theoretical and conceptual intricacies and the application of
the underlying basic concepts and principles.
The poor performance of students in these examinations is partly due to non-availability of

a comprehensive text book which lays adequate stress on the authentic logical theoretical concept
building, numericals and related problems.
The present book grew out of my experience of classroom teaching through lectures, notes
and assignments. Effort has been made to maintain lucid style and simplicity of expression. Apart
from this, the book has numerous carefully selected examples and solved illustrations which include
almost all the previous years’ questions asked in IIT-JEE and AIEEE examinations.
Selected questions of different formats keeping in mind the recent pattern of examinations
have been listed at the end of each chapter. Solutions to almost all advanced questions have been
incorporated.
I would like to thank Showick Thorpe and Sanjay Sharma for their constant encouragement
during the publication of this book. I extend my thanks to Nitkiran Bedi for her contribution in
bringing out this book in record time. I am also thankful to the staff members of my academy for
their sincere help.
I will appreciate comments, suggestions and criticism from the readers and will incorporate
them in the subsequent editions.
Ananya Ganguly


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c h a p t e r

 1

Periodic Properties
and Chemical bonding
INTRODUCTION
Chemists have long tried to find patterns in the properties of the elements. Some were discovered fairly readily; for
example, elements were classified as metals, non-metals, and many of their compounds as acids, alkalis, or salts.

Table 1.1  Typical Properties of Metals and Non-metals
Appearance and properties

Metals

Non-metals

Solids, some with high melting
points; lustrous, malleable and ductile

Gases, or solids with low melting
points

Conduction of heat and electricity Very good

Poor

Compounds

Ionic compounds with non-metals;
alloys with other metals

Ionic compounds with metals; covalent
compounds with other non-metals

Charge on ions

Positive

Negative

Chemical nature

Reducing agents

Oxidizing agents

Electronegativity

Low

High

However, it was widely believed that there had to be an underlying reason for the patterns.
1. Prout’s Hypothesis
One of the first suggestions was due to Prout. Prout’s hypothesis was that all elements were made from a whole number of hydrogen atoms. (Be careful here: an atom’ in Prout’s time was a very different thing to our understanding of
the word.) According to him the atomic masses of the elements should be a whole number of times that of hydrogen,
i.e., they should be integers. Unfortunately, from Prout’s point of view, the results of experiments showed that the
atomic masses of many elements were not integers.
2. Dobereiner’s Triads
According to Dobereiner, when elements of same properties are kept in the increasing order of their atomic weights,
the atomic weight of middle element is equal to the mean atomic weight of remaining two elements. Such a group of
elements is called Dobereiner’s triad.


1.2  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding
Triad of atoms

Mean of first and last element

Li

Na

K

7

23

39

Be

Mg

Ca

8

24

40

7 + 39
= 23
2
8 + 40
= 24
2

   Dobereiner could arrange only a few elements as triads and there are some such elements present in a triad, whose
atomic weights are approximately equal, e.g.,



Fe
Ru

Co
Rh

Ni
Pd

   Therefore, this hypothesis was not acceptable for all elements.
3. The Telluric Helix
It was in 1862, that a periodic classification of the elements was developed that approached the idea we have today.
At that time A.E. de Chancourtois, a professor of Geology at the Ecole des Mines in Paris presented an account of his
telluric helix in which he indicated the relative properties of elements and their atomic weights.
   He used a vertical cylinder with 16 equidistant lines on its surface, the lines lying parallel to the axes. Then he
drew a helix at 45 degree to the axis and arranged the elements on the spiral in the order of their increasing atomic
weights. In this manner, elements that differed from each other in atomic weight by 16 or multiples of 16 fell very
nearly on the same vertical line. In addition to the 16 vertical lines, de Chancourtois felt that other connecting lines
could be drawn, and that all elements lying on such lines were related in some manner. His arrangement resulted in
the proposal by de Chancourtois that the properties of the elements are the properties of numbers.
4. Newland’s Rule of Octave
A major attempt at making a link was made by new lands in 1864 (Table 1.2). He grouped elements into sets of eight
and claimed that every eighth element in the pattern was chemically similar. Newlands’ law of octaves was largely
ignored, or at best treated with mild amusement.

   The first thorough attempt at relating chemical properties to atomic masses was made by the Russian.
Table 1.2  Examples of Newlands’ Octaves*
No.
H

1

No.
F

 8

No.
Cl

15

No.
Co and Ni

22

No.
Br

29

Li

2

Na

 9

K

16

Cu

23

Rb

30

G

3

Mg

10

Ca

17

Zn

24

Sr

31

Bo

4

Al

11

Cr

18

Y

25

Ce and Le

32

C

5

Si

12

Ti

19

In

26

Zr

33

N

6

P

13

Mn

20

As

27

Di and Mo

33

O

7

S

14

Fe

21

Se

28

Ro and Ru

35

*This is part of a table that John Newlands presented in a talk he gave to the Chemical Society on 9 March 1866. The talk was entitled The
Law of Octaves, and the Causes of Numerical Relations among the Atomic Weights’. (You might like to work out which elements G, Bo, etc.,
stand for.) Here is part of an account of the talk:

   The author claims the discovery of a law according to which the elements analogous in their properties exhibit peculiar relationships,
similar to those subsisting in music between a note and its octave.... Professor G. F. Foster humorously enquired of Mr. Newlands whether he
had ever examined the elements according to the order of their initial letters?
   Newlands was not at all happy about the credit that went to Mendeleeff over the discovery of the periodic law. In 1884 Newlands wrote:
   Having been the first to publish the existence of the periodic law more than nineteen years ago, I feel, under existing circumstances, compelled to assert my priority in this matter.... As a matter of simple justice, and in the interest of all true workers in science, both theoretical and
practical, it is right that the originator of any proposal or discovery should have the credit of his labour.


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.3

80
70
60

87

81

53

49

35

31

17

13

9

5

50
40
30
20
10
0
1

Atomiv Volume (c.c.)

5. Lothar Meyer’s Volume Curves
The graphs of atomic volumes against atomic weights are known as Lothar Meyer volume curves.
(i) Lothar Meyer plotted a graph between atomic weight and atomic volume (i.e., atomic weight in solid state/
density).
(ii)  Elements with similar properties occupied the similar positions on the graph.
(iii) Strong electropositive elements of IA except Li, all others Na, K, Rb, Cs etc., occupied the top position on the
graph.

Atomic Number
Fig. 1.1  Atomic volume versus atomic number curve
(iv) IIa group elements Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba etc., occupied the positions on the ascending part of the graph.
(v)  Inert gases except He occupied the positions on the descending part of the graph.
(vi)  Halogens also occupied the descending part of the graph.
nn

Transition elements have very small volumes and therefore these are present at the bottoms of the curve metals

have highest atomic volumes.

6.(a) Mendeleef’s Periodic Table
nn Periodic table is based on atomic weight.
nn In the periodic table, the horizontal lines are called periods and the vertical lines are called groups.
nn The periodic table consists of seven periods and nine groups (The earlier periodic table had only 8 groups. The
noble gases were added later in the zero group because these were not discovered when Mendeleef put forward
his periodic table.
nn All the groups (except VIII and Zero groups) are divided into subgroups A and B.
nn 2, 8, 18 and 32 are called magic numbers.
(b) Merits of Mendeleef’s Periodic Table
nn Classification of elements then known, was done for the first time and the elements having similar properties were
kept in the same group.
nn It encouraged research and led to discovery of newer elements.
nn Mendeleef had even predicted the properties of many elements not discovered at that time. This helped in the discovery of these elements. For example, Mendeleef predicted the properties of the following elements:
(a)  ka-boron—This was later called scandium (Sc)
(b)  Eka-aluminium—This was later called gallium (Ga)
(c)  Eka-silicon—This was later called germanium (Ge)
nn

Atomic weight of elements were corrected. Atomic weight of Be was calculated to be 3 × 4.5 = 13.5 by considering
its valency 3. Mendeleef calculated it 2 × 4.5 = 9.


1.4  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding

(c) Defects of Mendeleef’s Periodic Table
(1)Position of Hydrogen:  Hydrogen resembles alkali metals and halogens in its properties. Hence, its position was
not sure.
(2)Position of Isotopes: The isotopes have different atomic weights and the periodic table is based on atomic

weights. Therefore, isotopes should get different places in the periodic table on the basis of atomic weights.
(3)The periodic table is not fully based on increasing order of atomic weights.
(4)It is not proper to place together the elements having differing properties, such as coinage metals (Cu, Ag and Au)
with alkali metals; Zn, Cd and Hg with alkaline earth metals and metal like Mn with halogens. Similarly, Pt and
Au having similar properties have been placed in different groups.
(5)There is no indication whether lanthanides and actinides are associated with group IIIA or group IIIB.
(6)Position of Isobars: These elements have different groups when mass remains same.
(7)Lot of stress was given to valency of elements.

Modern Periodic Law and Modern Periodic Table
nn

nn
nn

Mosley proved that the square root of frequency of the rays, which are obtained from a metal on showering high
velocity electrons is proportional to the nuclear charge of the atom. This can be represented by the following expression.
= a (Z–b) where Z is nuclear charge on the atom and a and b are constants.
The nuclear charge on an atom is equal to the atomic number.
According to modern periodic law, “The properties of elements are the periodic functions of their atomic numbers”

Modern Periodic Table
nn

nn
nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

On the basis of the modern periodic law, a scientist named Bohr proposed a long form of periodic table that was prepared by Rang and Warner.
In the periodic table, the horizontal lines are periods and the vertical lines are groups.
The periodic table has a total of seven periods and 18 groups. But according to CAS system, the number of groups is 16,
because the eighth group has been divided into three groups.
There are two elements in the first period eight elements in each of the second and third periods, eighteen elements in
each of the fourth and fifth period thirty two elements in the sixth period and only nineteen elements till now in the
seventh period. Total 105 elements have been discovered so far.
The first period is very short period, second and third are short periods fourth and fifth are long periods sixth is very long
period, while the seventh is incomplete period.
The lanthanides (Elements from atomic numbers 58 to 71) and actinides (elements from atomic numbers 90 to 103) are
included in the sixth and seventh periods through these have been kept outside the periodic table.
Period—The details about the seven periods are as follows.
(i) Each period starts with an alkali metal whose outermost electronic configuration is ns1.
(ii)Each period ends with a noble gas of outermost electronic configuration ns2np6 except He. The electronic configuration of He is 1s2.
(iii)The number of elements in a period is equal to the number of necessary electrons to acquire ns2np6 configuration
in the outermost shell of first element (alkali metal) of the period. First period contains two elements.
(v)The number of elements in each period may be determined by the number of electrons in a stable configuration as under
Periods
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh

Stable electronic configuration
1s2
2s22p6
3s23p6
4s23d104p6
5s24d105p6
6s24f145d106p6

Number of electrons
2
8
8
18
18
32(including lanthanoids)
(including Actinoids)

From
H (1)
Li (3)
Na (11)
K (19)
Rb (37)
Cs (55)
Fr (87)

To
He (2)
Ne (10)

Ar (18)
Kr (36)
Xe (54)
Rn (86)
Ha (105)


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.5

Electronic Basis for the Periodic Classification
With a better understanding of the part that the electron plays great role in the properties of the elements, a corresponding
understanding of the periodic system came about.
On the basis of electronic configuration, the elements may be divided into four groups:

s-block elements
The elements of the periodic table in which the last electron enters in s-orbital, are called s-block elements.
s-orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons.
Their general formulae are ns1 and ns2 respectively, where, n = (1 to 7).
I A group elements are known as alkali metals because they react with water to form alkali. II A group elements are
known as alkaline earth metals because their oxides react with water to form alkali and these are found in the soil or
earth.
nn The total number of s block elements are 14.
87
nn Fr
and Ra88 are radioactive elements while H and He are gaseous elements.
nn Cs and Fr are liquid elements belonging to s-block.


nn
nn

nn
nn

p-block elements
The elements of the periodic table in which the last electron gets filled up in the p-orbital, called p-block elements.
A p-orbital can accommodate a maximum of six electrons. Therefore, p-block elements are divided into six groups
which are III A, IV A, V A, VI A, VII A and zero groups.
2 1–6
nn The general formulae of p block elements are ns p
(where, n = 2 to 6)
2 6
nn The zero group elements having general formula ns p are inert, because their energy levels are fully filled.
nn The total number of p block elements in the periodic table is 30 (excluding He).
nn There are nine gaseous elements (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn, F , Cl , O and N ) belonging to p-block. Gallium (Ga) and bro2
2
2
2
mine (Br) are liquids.
nn The step-like thick lines drawn in the periodic table in the p-block divides elements into metals nonmetals and metalloids.
nn
nn

d-block elements
The elements of the periodic table in which the last electron gets filled up in the d orbital, called d block elements.
The d block elements are placed in groups named IIIB, IV B, V B, VI B, VII B, VIII, I B and II B.
nn In d block elements, the electron gets filled up in the d orbital of the penultimate shell. That is why, these elements are
known as transition elements.
nn Though the total number of d block elements is 33 in the periodic table but there are only 30 transition
elements. Because only those elements are transition in which d orbital is partially filled.
2

6
1–10
nn The general formula of these elements is (n–1)s , p , d
ns1–2 where n = 4 to 7.
nn All of these elements are metals.
nn Out of all the d block elements mercury is the only liquid element.
nn

nn

f-block elements
The elements of the periodic table in which the last electron gets filled up in the f orbital, called f block elements.
The f block elements are from atomic number 58 to 71 and from 90 to 103.
The lanthanides occur in nature in low abundance and therefore, these are called rare earth elements.
There are 28 f block elements in the periodic table.
The elements from atomic number 58 to 71 are called lanthanides because they come after lanthanum (57). The elements from 90 to 103 are called actinides because they come after actinium (89).
nn All the actinide elements are radioactive.
92
nn All the elements after atomic number 92 (i.e., U ) are transuranic elements.
2 6 10 (1–14)
nn The general formula of these elements is (n–2)s p d
f
(n–1)s2 p6 d0–1 ns2 where n = 6 and 7.


nn
nn
nn
nn
nn

1.6  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding
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Fig. 1.2  Long form of the periodic table of the elements with their atomic numbers and ground state outer
electronic configurations. The groups are numbered 1-18 in accordance with the 1984 IUPAC recommendations.
This notation replaces the old numbering scheme of IA-VIIA, VIII, IB-VIIB and 0 for the elements

Nomenclature of Elements with Atomic Numbers > 100
The naming of the new elements had been traditionally privilege of the discoverer (or discovers) and the suggested name
was ratified by the IUPAC. In recent years, this has led to some controversy. The new elements with very high atomic
numbers are so unstable that only minute quantities, sometimes only a few atoms of them are obtained. Their synthesis
and characterisation, therefore, require highly sophisticated costly equipment and laboratory. Such work is carried out with
competitive spirit only in some laboratories in the world. Scientists, before collecting the reliable data on the new element,
at times get tempted to claim for its discovery. For example, both American and Soviet scientists claimed credit for discovering element 104. The Americans named it Rutherford turn whereas Soviets named it Kurchatovium. To avoid such
problems, the IUPAC has made recommendation that until a new element’s discovery is proved, and its name is officially
recognized, a systematic nomenclature be derived directly from the atomic number of the element using the numerical
roots for O and numbers 1-9. These are shown in table. The roots are put together in order of digits which make up the
atomic number and “ium” is added at the end. The IUPAC names of the elements with Z above 100 are shown in the table.
Digit

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Name

nil

un

bi

tri

quad

pent

hex

sept

oct

enn

Abbreviation

n

u

b

t

q

p

h

s

o

e


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.7

Table 1.3  Nomenclature of Elements with Atomic Number Above 100

Atomic number
101

Name

Symbol

IUPAC official name

IUPAC symbol

Unnilunium

Unu

Mendelevium

Md

102

Unnibium

Unb

Nobelium

No

103

Unniltrium

Unt

Lawrencium

Lr

104

Unnilquadium

Unq

Rutherfordium

Rf

105

Unnilpentium

Unp

Dubnium

Db

106

Unnihexium

Unh

Seaborgium

Sg

107

Unnilseptium

Uns

Bohrium

Bh

108

Unniloctium

Uno

Hassnium

Hs

109

Unnilennium

Une

Meitnerium

Mt

110

Unnnillium

Uun

Darmstadtium

Ds

Rontgenium*

Rg*

111

Unununnium

Uuu

112

Ununbium

Uub

*

113

Ununtrium

Uut

+

114

Ununquadium

Uuq

*

115

Ununpentium

Uup

+

116

Ununhexium

Uuh

*

117

Ununseptium

Uus

+

118

Ununoctium

Uuo

+

*
*
*

*Official IUPAC name yet to be announced + Elements yet to be discovered

Thus, the new element first gets a temporary name, with symbol consisting of three letters. Later permanent name and
symbol are given by a vote of IUPAC preventatives from each country. The permanent name might reflect the country
(or state of country) in which the element was discovered or pay tribute to a notable scientist. As of now, elements with
atomic numbers up to 112, 114 and have been discovered. Elements with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117, and 118 are not
yet known.

Worked-out Example
1. What would be the IUPAC name and symbol for the element with atomic number 120?
Solution: From Table, the roots for 1, 2 and O are un, bi and nil, respectively. Hence, the symbol and the name
respectively are Ubn and unbinilium.

The types of elements
Using electronic configuration as the criterion, we ordinarily recognize four general type of elements; the inert gas elements, the representative elements, the transition elements, and the inner transition elements. The classification of the elements into these groups is dependent on the extent to which the s, p, d and f orbitals are filled.
(i) Inert Gases
(a) s and p-orbitals of the outer most shell of these elements are completely filled. The outermost electronic configuration is ns2np6.
(b)  Helium is also inert gas but its electronic configuration is 1s2.
(ii) Representative or Normal Elements
(a) Outermost shell of these elements is incomplete. The number of electrons in the outermost shell is less than
eight.


1.8  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding



(iii)

(b)  Inner shells are complete.
(c)  s- and p-block elements except inert gases are called normal or representative elements.
Transition Elements
(a)  Last two shells of these elements namely outermost and penultimate shells are incomplete.
(b) The last shell contains one or two electrons and the penultimate shell may contain more than eight up to eighteen
electrons.
(c) The outermost electronic configuration is similar to d-block elements, i.e., (n–1)d1–10 ns1-2.
(d) According to latest definition of transition elements those elements which have partly filled d-orbitals in neutral
state or in any stable oxidation state are called transition elements. According to this definition, Zn, Cd and Hg
(IIB group) are d-block elements but not transition elements because these elements have d10 configuration
in neutral as well as in stable +2 oxidation state.
(e) Because of the extra stability which is associated with empty, half-filled, and filled subshells, there are some
apparent anomalies in electronic arrangements in the transition series. This empirical rule is illustrated by the
chromium and copper configuration in the first d series of elements:
Sc

Ti

V

Cr

Mn

Fe

Co

Ni

Cu

Zn

3d

1

2

3

5

5

6

7

8

10

10

4s

2

2

2

1

2

2

2

2

1

2

Inner Transition Elements
(a)  In these elements last three shells i.e., last, penultimate and prepenultimate shells are incomplete.
(b)  These are related to IIIB i.e., group 3.
(c) The last shell contains two electrons. Penultimate shell may contain eight or nine electrons and pre-penultimate
shell contains more than 18 up to32 electrons.
(d) Their outermost electronic configuration is similar to f-block element i.e., (n–2)f1–14(n–1)s2 (n–1)p6 (n–1)d0–1ns2.
(v) Typical Elements: The elements of second and third periods are called typical elements as they summarize the
properties of their respective groups.
(iv)

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

2nd period

Group

Li

Be

B

C

N

O

F

3 period

Na

Mg

Al

Si

P

S

Cl

rd

(vi) Elements of the seventh period after atomic number 93 (i.e., actinides) are synthetic elements and are called transuranium elements.
(i) Bridge elements: The typical elements of third period are also called bridge elements as the division between
two subgroups A and B starts from these elements. In second group, Mg acts as a bridge element. The properties of bridge element are somewhat mixed properties of the elements of two subgroups as magnesium shows
similarities with alkaline earth metals (IIA) on one hand and with zinc metals (IIB) on the other.
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Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.9

(vii) Diagonal relationship: The first three members of second period (Li, Be and B) not only show similarities with the
members of their own groups but show similarities with the elements diagonally placed in the higher groups. This
resemblance is termed diagonal relationship.

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Lithium shows similarities with magnesium, beryllium with aluminium and boron with silicon.
(viii)The elements belonging to the same subgroup ex­hibit either same properties or a regular gradation.
  (ix)Coinage metals (Cu, Ag, Au) and Alkali metals: There appears hardly any resemblance between the members of
these two groups except that all show monovalency.
Table 1.4  Some Properties are Given Below to Justify this Statement
IA (alkali metals)
(i)  Soft metals
(ii)  Low densities
(iii)  Low melting points
(iv)  Highly reactive

(v) Never found free in nature
(vi)  Decompose water readily

IB (coinage metals)
(i)  Hard metals
(ii)  High densities
(iii)  High melting points
(iv)  Less reactive, noble metals
(v)  Found mainly free in nature
(vi)  Do not decompose water

The Screening Effect or Shielding Effect
In a multielectron atom, the electrons of the valency shell (outermost shell) are attracted towards the nucleus and also these
electrons are repelled by the electrons present in the inner shells. On account of this, the actual force of attraction between the
nucleus and the valency electrons is somewhat decreased by the repulsive forces acting in opposite direction. This decrease in
the force of attraction exerted by the nucleus on the valency electrons due to the presence of electrons in the inner shells,
is called screening effect or shielding effect. The magnitude of the screening effect depends upon the number of inner electrons, i.e., higher the number of inner electrons, greater shall be the value of screening effect. The screening effect constant is
represented by the symbol σ. The magnitude of ‘σ’ is determined by the Slater’s rules. The contribution of inner electrons to
the magnitude of ‘σ’ is calculated in the following ways:

For ns or np orbital electrons
(i)

(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

(vi)

Write the electronic configuration of the element in the following order and group them as,
(Is), (2s,2p), (3s,3p), (3d), (4s, 4p), (4d,4f), (5s, 5p), (5d, 5f), (6s, 6p), etc.
Electrons to the right of the (ns, np) group are not effective in shielding the ns or np electrons and contribute nothing to σ.
All other electrons in the (ns, np) group contribute to the extent of 0.35 each to the screening constant (except for Is
for which the value is 0.30).
All the electrons in the (n – l) th shell contribute 0.85 each to the screening constant.
All the electrons in the (n – 2) th shell or lower contribute 1.0 each to the screening constant.
For d- or f-electron, rules (i) to (iii) remain the same but rules (iv) and (v) get replaced by the rule (vi).
All the electrons in the groups lying left to (nd, nf) group contribute 1.0 each to the screening effect.

Example 1. Calculation of screening constants of alkali metals for valency electrons.
Li
Na
K
Rb
Cs

2,1 = 2 × 0.85

2, 8, 1 = 8 × 0.85 + 2 × 1
2,8,8,1 = 8 × 0.85 + 10 × 1
2,8,18,8,1 = 8 × 0.85 + 28 × 1

2,8, 18, 18,8, 1 = 8 × 0.85 + 46 × 1

= 1.7
= 8.8
= 16.8
= 34.8
= 52.8

1.10  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding

Example 2. Calculation of screening constants of mem­bers of second period for valency electrons.
Li 2, 1 = 2 × 0.85

= 1.7
Be 2, 2 = 0.35 + 2 × 0.85
= 2.05
B 2,3 = 2 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.85 = 2.40
C 2,4 = 3 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.85 = 2.75
N 2,5 = 4 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.85 = 3.10
O 2, 6 = 5 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.85 = 3.45
F 2,7 = 6 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.85 = 3.80
Ne 2,8 = 7 × 0.35 + 2 × 0.85 = 4.15
Example 3. Calculation of screening constant in zinc (a) for a 4s-electron (b) for 3d electron.
(a) The electronic configuration of zinc (30) is,
(1s)2 (2s2p)8 (3s3p)8 (3d)1° (4s)2

σ = 10 × 1.0 + 18 × 0.85 + 1 × 0.35 = 25.65
(b) For 3d-electron,
σ = 18 × l.0 + 9 × 0.35 = 21.15
It is clear from the examples (1) and (2) that the mag­nitude of screening constant in the case of s- and p-block elements increases in a period as well as in a group as the atomic number increases.
  From the example (3), it is evident that the electrons in different orbitals are differently affected by the same nuclear
charge depending upon their proximity to the nucleus.

Effective Atomic Number
Due to screening effect the valency electron experiences less attraction towards nucleus. This brings decrease in the nuclear
charge (Z) actually present on the nucleus. The reduced nuclear charge is termed effective nuclear charge and is represented by Z*. It is related to actual nuclear charge (Z) by the following formula:

Z* = (Z – σ) where a is screening constant.
It is observed that magnitude of effective nuclear charge or effective atomic number increases in a period when we
move from left to right.
II period

Li

Be

B

C

N

O

F

Ne

Z

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

σ

1.7

2.05

2.40

2.75

3.10

3.45

3.80

4.15

Z* = (Z – σ)

1–3

1.95

2.60

3.25

3.90

4.55

5.20

5.85

In a subgroup of normal elements the magnitude of effective atomic number remains almost the same.
Alkali group

Li

Na

K

Rb

Cs

Z

3

11

19

37

55

σ

1.7

8.8

16.8

34.8

52.8

Z* = (z - σ)

1.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

IIA group

Be

Mg

Ca

Sr

Ba

Z

4

12

20

38

56

σ

2.05

9.15

17.15

35.15

53.15

Z* = (Z-σ)

1.95

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.11

Atomic radius
(i) The radius of an atom may be taken as the distance between atomic nucleus and the outermost shell containing
electrons of the atom.
(ii) According to the heisenberg’s uncertainty principle the position of a moving electron can not be accurately determined. So the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electron is uncertain.
(iii) Atomic radius can be determined indirectly from the inter nuclear distance between the two atoms in a gaseous

diatomic molecule. This internuclear distance between the two atoms is called bond length.
(iv) The inter nuclear distance between the two atoms can be measured by × – ray diffraction or spectroscopic studies.
(v) Covalent radius: One half of the distance between the nuclei (internuclear distance) of two covalently bonded atoms
in a homodiatomic molecule is called the covalent radius of that atom. The covalent bond must be single covalent
bond. The covalent radius (rA) of atom A in a molecule A2 may be given as:
rA =

dA–A
2

i.e., the distance between nuclei of two single covalently bonded atoms in a homodiatomic molecule is equal to the
sum of covalent radii of both the atoms.
dA–A = rA + rA
   In a heterodiatomic molecule AB where the electronegativity of atoms A and B are different, the experimental
values of internuclear distance dA-B is less than the theoretical values (rA + rB). According to Schomaker and Stevenson (1941),
DA–B = rA + rB – 0.09 ∆x
   Where ∆x is the difference of electronegativities of the atoms A and B.
   According to Pauling – If the electronegativities of the two atoms A and B are xA and xB respectively then,
DA–B = rA + rB – (C1xA – C2xB)
C1 and C2 are the Stevenson’s coefficients for atoms A and B respectively.

Metallic Radius
Metal atoms are assumed to be closely packed spheres in the metallic crystal. These metal atom spheres are considered to
touch one another in the crystal. One half of the internuclear distance between the two closest metal atoms in the metallic
crystal is called metallic radius.
Metallic radius > Covalent radius
For example – Metallic radius and covalent radius of potassium are 2.3 Å and 2.03Å respectively.

Van der waal’s radius or collision radius
The molecules of non metal atoms are generally gases. On cooling, the gaseous state changes to solid state.

In the solid state, the non metallic elements usually exist as aggregations of molecules are held together by Van der
Waal forces. One half of the distance between the nuclei of two adjacent atoms belonging to two neighbouring molecules of a compound in the solid state is called Van der Waal’s radius.
It may also be defined as half of the inter nuclear distance of two non bonded neighbouring atoms of two adjacent
molecules.
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1.12  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding

Van der Waal’s radius > metallic radius> covalent radius
The Van der Waal’s radius and Covalent radius of Chlorine atom are 1.80Å and 0.99Å respectively.

Ionic Radius
A neutral atom changes to a cation by the loss of one or more electrons and to an anion by the gain of one or more electrons.
The number of charge on cation and anion is equal to the number of electrons lost or gained respectively. The ionic radii of
the ions present in an ionic crystal may be calculated from the internuclear distance between the two ions.
It is defined as the distance between the nucleus and outermost shell of an ion or it is the distance between the
nucleus and the point where the nucleus exerts its influence on the electron cloud.
(i) Radius of a cation: A cation is formed by removing one or more electrons from a neutral atom. Hence, the ionic
radii of a cation is always less than the atomic radii of that very atom. This is due to the fact that nuclear charge
in the case of a cation is acting on lesser number of electrons and pulls them closer.

Na
Na+
–
Number of e =
11
10
Number of p =
11
11

1s22s22p63s1
1s22s22p6
Reasons
(a) The effective nuclear charge increases. For example, in Na atom, 11 electrons are attracted by 11 protons and in
Na+, 10 electrons are attracted by 11 protons. Thus in the formation of cation, number of electrons decreases and
nuclear charge remains the same.
(b)  Generally, the formation of cation results in the removal of the whole outer shell.
(c) Interelectronic repulsion decreases. The interelectronic repulsion in Na is among 11e – and in Na+ among 10e – .
(ii) Radius of an anion:  In the case of negative ion or an anion, as electron or electrons are added to the neutral atom,
the nuclear charge acts on more electrons so that each electron is held less tightly and the electron cloud expands.

Thus, the size of an anion is more than its parent atom.
Mg
Na
Na+
1.54 Å
0.95 Å 1.36 Å


Number of e– =

Number of p =

Mg2+ F
0.65 Å 0.72 Å
Cl
17
17

F–
Cl
Cl–
1.36 Å 0.99 Å 1.81 Å
Cl–
18
17

Reasons
(a) The effective nuclear charge decrease in the formation of anion. Thus the electrostatic force of attraction between
the nucleus and the outer electrons decreases and the size of the anion increases.
(b)  Interelectronic repulsion increases.

(iii) Isoelectronic series: A series of atoms, ions and molecules in which each species contains same number of electrons
but different nuclear charge is called isoelectronic series.
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(a)  Number of electrons is same.
(b)  Number of protons is increasing.
(c) So the effective nuclear charge is increasing and atomic size is decreasing. In an isoelectronic series atomic size
decreases with the increase of charge.
Some of the examples of isoelectronic series are as under:
(i)  S2– , Cl – , K + , Ca 2 + , Sc3+
(ii)  So2, NO3– , CO32–


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.13

(iii)  N2, CO, CN −
(iv)  NH3, H3O+
These can be explained on the basis of z/e ratio.
 Nuclear charge 
 No. of electron  Whenever z/e ratio increases, the size decreases and when z/e ratio decreases, the size increases.

Na
Na+

Cl
Cl–
Fe2+
Fe3+
11
11
17
17
26
26
z/e = 1.0;
= 1.1;
= 1.0;
= 0.95;
= 1.08;
= 1.13
11
10
17
18
24
23
Isoelectronic species (ions or atoms) are those which have same number of electrons. For such species the size decreases with an increase of atomic number. This is illustrated in the following table:
Atom or Ion

Atomic number z

No. of electrons e

z/e ratio

Size in A

4–

C
N3–
O2–
F–
Ne
Na+
Mg2+

6
7
8
9
10
11
12

10
10
10
10
10
10
10

0.6

0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2

2.60
1.71
1.40
1.30
1.12
0.95
0.65

Al3+

13

10

1.3

0.50

H+ and Cs+ are the smallest and largest cations respectively.
H– and I– are the smallest and largest anions respectively.

Periodicity in atomic radius and ionic radius
1. For normal elements

(a) In a period from left to right effective nuclear charge increases because the next electron fills in the same shell.
So the atomic size decreases. For example, the covalent radii of second period elements in Å are as follows:



Li
1.23

Be
0.89

B
0.80

C
0.77

N
0.74

O
0.73

F
0.72

(b) In a group moving from top to bottom the number of shells increases. So the atomic size increases. Although the
effective nuclear charge increases but its effect is negligible in comparison to the effect of increasing number of
shells. For example the covalent radii of IA group elements in Å are as follows:

Li
1.23

Na
1.57

K
2.03

Rb
2.16

Cs
2.35

2. For inert gases
The atomic radius of inert gas (zero group) is shown largest in a period because of its Van der Waal’s radius which is
generally larger than the covalent radius. The Van der Waal’s radius of inert gases also increases in moving from top
to bottom in a group.
3. For transition elements
There are three series of transition elements:
3d – Sc (21) to Zn (30)
4d – Y (39) to Cd (48)
5d – La (57), Hf (72) to Hg (80)


1.14  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding

(a)  From left to right in a period
(i) The atomic size decreases due to the increase in effective nuclear charge.
(ii)In transition elements, electrons are filled in the (n–1)d orbitals. These (n–1)d electrons screen the ns electrons from the nucleus. So the force of attraction between the ns electrons and the nucleus decreases.
   This effect of (n–1)d electrons over ns electrons is called shielding effect or screening effect. The atomic
size increases due to shielding effect and balance the decrease in size due to increase in nuclear charge to
about 80%.
(iii)Thus moving from left to right in a period, there is a very small decrease in size and it may be considered
that size almost remains the same.
(iv)In the first transition series, the atomic size slightly decreases from Sc to Mn because effect of effective
nuclear charge is stronger than the shielding effect. The atomic size from the Fe to Ni almost remains the
same because both the effects balance each other. The atomic size from Cu to Zn slightly increases because
shielding effect is more than effective nuclear charge due to d10 structure of Cu and Zn. The atomic radii of
the elements of 3d transition series are as under.



Sc
1.44

Ti
1.32

V
1.22

Cr
1.18

Mn
1.17

Fe
1.17

Co
1.16

Ni
1.15

Cu
1.17

Zn
1.25

4. Inner transition elements
As we move along the lanthanide series, there is a decrease in atomic as well as ionic radius. The decrease in size is
regular in ions but not so regular in atoms. This is called lanthanide contraction. The atomic radii in Å are as under:



La
1.88

Ce
1.82

Pr
1.83

Nd
1.82

Pm
1.81

Sm
1.80




Tb
1.78

Dy
1.77

Ho
1.76

Er
1.75

Yb
1.94

Lu
1.73

Eu
2.04

Gd
1.80

   There are two peaks one at Eu (63) and other at Yb (70). This is due to the difference in metallic bonding. Except
Eu and Yb other lanthanides contribute three elctrons in metallic bond formation. These two atoms contribute two
electrons in the bond formation leaving behind half-filled and completely filled 4f-orbitals respectively.

Cause of lanthanide contraction
In lanthanides the additional electron enters into (n-2)f orbital. The mutual shielding effect of (n-2)f electrons is very little
because the shape of f-subshell is very much diffused. Thus the effective nuclear charge increases in comparison to the
mutual shielding effect of (n-2) f electrons. The outer electrons are attracted more by the nucleus. Consequently the atomic
and ionic radii decreases from La (57) to Lu (71)
This type of contraction also occurs in actinides. The jump in contraction between the consecutive elements in the
actinides is greater than lanthanides. This is due to the lesser shielding of 5f-electrons which are therefore pulled more
strongly by the nucleus.
In a group
(i) The atomic radius of elements increases moving from first transition series (3d) to second transition series (4d). This
is due to the increase in number of shells with the increase in atomic number.
(ii) The atomic radii of second (4d) and third (5d) transition series in a group is almost same except Y(39) and
La (57)
   In third transition series, there are fourteen lanthanides in between La (57) of III B and Hf (72) of IV B groups,
so the atomic radius of Hf(72) decreases much due to lanthanide contraction in lanthanides. The difference in the
nuclear charge in the elements of a group in first and second transition series is + 18 units while this difference in
second and third transition series is + 32 units except Y (39) → La(57). Due to the increase of + 32 units in the
nuclear charge there is a sizable decrease in the atomic radius which balances the increase in size due to the increase
in number of shells.

   So in a group moving from second to third transition series, the atomic radii of the elements almost remain the
same except IIIB. The difference is about 0.02Å.


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.15

Worked-out Examples
2. The correct order of radii is
(a) N < Be < B
(b) F– < O2– < N3–

(c) Na < Li < K

(d) Fe3+ < Fe2+ < Fe4+

(IIT 2000)

Ans. As we go from F to O to N, the positive charge in the nucleus decreases. This causes decrease in nucleuselectron attraction causing the electron cloud to spread more in space.

Also, larger negative charge involves larger electron-electron repulsion causing spreading of electron cloud in
space.
3. According to the Periodic law of elements, the variation in properties of elements is related to their 

(AIEEE 2003)
(a) Nuclear masses
(b) Atomic numbers
(c) Nuclear neutron-proton number ratio
(d) Atomic masses

Ans. (b) According to modern periodic law, the properties of the elements are repeated after certain regular intervals
when these elements are arranged in order of their increasing atomic Numbers.

4. The reduction in atomic size with increase in atomic number is a characteristic of elements of
(a) d-block
(b) f-block
(c) radioactive series
(d) high atomic masses.

(AIEEE 2003)

Ans. (a)
5. The set representing the correct order of ionic radius is:

(a) Li+ > Be2+ > Na+ > Mg2+
(c) Li+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > Be2+

(b) Na+ > Li+ > Mg2+ > Be2+
(d) Na+ > Mg2+ > Li+ > Be2+

Ans. (d) Follow the periodic trends
6. The radii of Ar is greater than the radii of chlorine. Why?
Solution: In chlorine, the radii means the atomic or covalent radii which is actually half the intermolecular
distance between 2 atoms whereas in Argon the radii means the Van der Waal’s radii as Argon is not a diatomic
molecule. Van der Waal’s radii is actually half the distance between adjacent molecule. So Van der Waal’s radii
being larger than atomic radii, Argon, has got a larger radii than chlorine
7. Berilium and Al are placed in different periods and groups but they show the similar properties. Explain
Solution: On moving across a period, the charge on the ions increases and the size decreases, causing the polarising power to increase. On moving down a group, the size increases and polarising power decreases. On moving diagonally i.e., from Be to Al these two effects partly cancel each other and so there is no marked change in
properties.

Ionization Potential
The energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from the outermost orbit of one mole of isolated gaseous atoms or ion of an element, is called ionization energy (IE). This ionization is an endoergic or energy-absorbing
process. The corresponding potential difference to be applied to provide ionization energy to an electron is known as
Ionization Potential (IP). Hence, the ionization Energy of hydrogen is 13.6 eV and the ionization Potential is 13.6 V.
nn An electron cannot be removed directly from an atom in solid state. For this purpose, the solid state is converted to
gaseous state and the energy required for this is called sublimation energy.
nn

nn

IP )3
IP )1
IP )2
A (g) (
→ A +1(g) (
→ A +2 (g) (
→ A +3 (g)


1.16  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding

The energy required to remove one electron from a neutral gaseous atom to convert it to monopositive cation, is called
first ionization potential (I IP). The energy required to convert a monopositive cation to a dipositive cation is called
second ionization potential (II IP)
nn I IP < II IP < III IP because as the electrons go out of the atom, the effective nuclear charge increases and the ionic size
goes on decreasing. Thus the forces of attraction on valence shell electrons increases and hence the order.
nn

Factors affecting ionization potential
(i) Number of shells: With the increase in number of shells the atomic radius increases i.e., the distance of outer most

shell electron from the nucleus increases and hence the ionization potential decreases.
(ii) Effective nuclear charge: Atomic size decreases with increase in effective nuclear charge because, higher the
effective nuclear charge stronger will be the attraction of the nucleus towards the electron of the outermost orbit and
higher will be the ionization potential.
(iii) Shielding effect: The electrons of internal orbits repel the electron of the outermost orbit due to which the attraction
of the nucleus towards the electron of the outermost orbit decreases and thus atomic size increases and the value of
ionization potential decreases.
(iv) Stability of half-filled and fully filled orbitals: The atoms whose orbitals are half-filled (p3, d5, f7) or fully-filled
(s2, p6, d10, f14) have greater stability than the others. Therefore, they require greater energy for removing an electron.
However, stability of fully filled orbitals is greater than that of the half-filled orbitals.
(v) Penetration power: In any atom, the s orbital is nearer to the nucleus in comparison to p, d and f orbitals. Therefore,
greater energy is required to remove an electron from s orbital than from p, d and f orbitals. Thus the decreasing order
of ionization potential of s, p, d and f orbitals is as follows:
s>p>d>f

Periodic trends in ionization potential
(a) In a Period: The value of ionization potential normally increase on going from left to right in a period, because effective nuclear charge increases and atomic size decreases.
Exceptions
In second period, ionization, potential of Be is greater than that of B, and in the third period ionization potential of Mg
is greater than that of Al due to high stability of fully filled orbitals.
nn In second period, ionization, potential of N is greater than O and in the third period ionization potential of P is greater
than that of S, due to stability of half-filled orbitals.
nn The increasing order of the values of ionization potential of the second period elements is
Li < B < Be < C < O < N < F < Ne
nn

The increasing order of the values of ionization potential of the third period elements is
Na < Al < Mg < Si < S < P < Cl < Ar

Ionization Potential of Transition Elements

In transition elements, the value of ionization potential has very little increase on going from left to right in a period
because the outermost orbit remains the same but electrons get filled up in the (n–1)d orbitals resulting in very little
increase in the values of ionization potential.
nn In transition element series, the first ionization potential normally increases with increase in atomic number on going
from left to right, but this periodicity is not uniform. The value of ionization potential of transition elements depends on
the following two important factors.
(a)  The value of ionization potential increases with increase in effective nuclear charge.
(b) The value of ionization potential decreases with increase in shielding effect when the number of electrons increases
in (n–1)d orbitals
nn In the first transition element series, the first ionization potential normally increases on going from left to right from Sc
to Cr because shielding effect is much weaker in comparison to effective nuclear charge. The value of first ionization
potential of Fe, Co and Ni remains constant, because shielding effect and effective nuclear charge balance one another.
nn


Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding   1.17

The value of ionization potential shows slight increase from Cu to Zn because they have fully filled s and d orbitals.
The value of first ionization potential of Mn is maximum because it has maximum stability due to fully filled s and half
filled orbitals.

Ionization Potential of Inner Transition Elements
The size of inner transition elements is greater than that of d block elements. Therefore the value of ionization potential of
f block elements is smaller than that of d block elements and due to almost constant atomic size of f block elements in a
period the value of their ionization potential remains more constant than that of d block elements.

In a group
The value of ionization potential normally decreases on going from top to bottom in a group because both atomic size
and shielding effect increase.
  Exception:

nn The value of ionization potential remains almost constant from Al to Ga in the 13th A group. (B > Al , Ga > In)
nn In 4th group i.e., Ti, Zr and Hf the I.P. of Hf is higher than that of Zr due to Lanthanide contraction. Thus the I.P. of 4th
group varies as Ti > Zr < Hf.
nn

Some Noteworthy Points
In the periodic table the element having highest value of ionization potential is He.
The values of ionization potential of noble gases are extremely high, because the orbitals of outermost orbit are fullyfilled (ns2 , np6) and provide great stability.
nn In a period, the element having least value of ionization potential is an alkali metal (group Ist ) and that having highest
value is inert gas (Group 18th)
nn
nn

Applications of ionization potential
The elements having high values of ionization potential have low reactivity, e.g., inert gases.
The value of ionization potential decreases more on going from top to bottom in a group in comparison to a period.
Therefore, reactivity increases and the atom forms a cation by loss of electron.
nn The elements having low value of ionization potential readily lose electron and thus behave as strong reducing agents.
nn The elements having low value of ionization potential readily lose electron and thus exhibit greater metallic property.
nn The elements having low value of ionization potential readily lose electron and thus oxide and hydroxides of these elements have basic property.
nn
nn

Worked-out Examples
8. The atomic numbers of vanadium, (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) are respectively 23, 24, 25
and 26. Which one of these may be expected to have the highest second ionization enthalpy?
(AIEEE 2003)
(a) Cr
(b) Mn
(c) Fe

(d) V.
Ans. (a) Cr has 3d5, 4s1 configuration and thus second electron is removed from 3d subshell. In rest, from 4s subshell.
9. Which of the following ions has the highest value of ionic radius? 
(a) O2–
(b) B3+
(c) Li+

(d) F–

(AIEEE 2004)

Ans. (a) O– and F– are isoelecronic. Hence have same number of shells, therefore greater the nuclear change
smaller will be the size i.e.,

O – > F–
further Li+ and B3+ are isoelectronic. Therefore

Li+ > B3+


1.18  Periodic Properties and Chemical Bonding

Hence, the correct order of atomic size is.

O– > F– > Li+ > B3+
10. The increasing order of the first ionization enthalpies of the elements B, P, S and F (lowest first) is (AIEEE 2006)
(a) F < S < P < B
(b) P < S < B < F
(c) B < P < S < F
(d) B < S < P < F

Ans. (b)
11. Which of the following should be the order of increasing values of second ionization potential of C6, N7, O8 and F9?
(1) C > N > F > O (2) C < F < N < O (3) C < F < N < O
(4) C < N < F< O
Ans. (4)
Solution: The second ionization potential means removal of electron from a cation
C+1 (5e) = 1s2 , 2s2 , 2p1
N+1 (6e) = 1s2, 2s2, 2p2
+1
2
2
3
O (7e) = 1s , 2s , 2p
F+1 (8e) = 1s2, 2s2 , 2p4
Therefore, C < N < F < O
12. Which of the following should be the correct order of the second ionization potential of Li, Be, B and C?
(1) Li < Be > B < C
(2) Be < B < C < Li
(3) Be < C < B < Li
(4) Li < C < B < Be
Ans. (3)
Solution: Li+1 (2e) = 1s2

B+1 (4e) = 1s2 . 2s2
Therefore, Be < C < B < Li

Be+1 (3e) = 1s2 , 2s1
C+1 (5e) = 1s2 , 2s2 , 2p1

Here, Li+1 has inert configuration and B+1 has fully filled s orbital. Hence these will have high value of second

ionization potential.
13. Which of the following should have least value of ionization potential?
(1) Be+3
(2) H
(3) Li+2
(4) He+1
Ans. (2)
Solution: All the above four species have one electron each, H has least number of proton. Therefore, H will have
least value of ionization potential.
14. Which of the following should have less than 11.0 eV difference between the values of first and second ionization
potentials?
(2) Na
(3) K
(4) All of the above three
(1) Mg
Ans. (1)
Solution: Mg exhibits higher oxidation state (Mg+2) than Na (Na+1) and K (K+1)
15. The first I.P. of nitrogen is greater than oxygen while the reverse is true for their second I.P. values. Explain
Solution: The first I.P corresponds to the removal of first electron. Since nitrogen is already half-filled. So more
energy is required to remove the electron. But once the electron is removed from oxygen it gains half-filled stability
and therefore the 2nd I.P. becomes high.
16. The ionization energy of the coinage metals fall in the order Cu > Ag < Au. Explain
Solution: In all the 3 cases an s-electron in the unpaired state is to be removed. In the case of Cu, a 4s electron is
to be removed which is closer to the nucleus than the 5s electron of Ag. So I.P. decreases from Cu to Ag. However,
from Ag to Au the 14 f electrons are added which provide very poor shielding effect. The nuclear charge is thus
enhanced and therefore the outer electron of Au is more tightly held and so the IP is high.