JEE Unit 9: CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS AND PERIODICITY IN PROPERTIES

1. Describe the modern periodic law and its significance in the organization of elements.
Answer: The modern periodic law states that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers. It is significant as it forms the basis of the organization of elements in the periodic table, allowing for the prediction of properties based on position.

2. Explain the present form of the periodic table and its organization.
Answer: The present form of the periodic table arranges elements in order of increasing atomic number and groups elements with similar properties in columns called groups or families. It is divided into s, p, d, and f-block elements based on the electron configurations of their valence shells.

3. Discuss the properties and characteristics of s, p, d, and f-block elements.
Answer:

  • S-block elements: Group 1 and 2 elements, characterized by the filling of s-orbitals.
  • P-block elements: Groups 13 to 18 elements, characterized by the filling of p-orbitals.
  • D-block elements: Transition metals, characterized by the filling of d-orbitals.
  • F-block elements: Lanthanides and actinides, characterized by the filling of f-orbitals.

4. Explain the periodic trends in atomic and ionic radii across a period and down a group.
Answer: Atomic and ionic radii generally decrease across a period due to increasing nuclear charge and increase down a group due to the addition of energy levels.

5. Define ionization enthalpy and discuss its periodic trend in the periodic table.
Answer: Ionization enthalpy is the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom in the gaseous state. It generally increases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge and decreases down a group due to increasing distance from the nucleus.

6. Define electron gain enthalpy and explain its periodic trend in the periodic table.
Answer: Electron gain enthalpy is the energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state. It generally becomes more negative across a period due to increasing nuclear charge and decreases down a group due to increasing atomic size.

7. Discuss the concept of valence and its significance in chemical bonding.
Answer: Valence refers to the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share to attain a stable electronic configuration. It determines an element’s ability to form chemical bonds and its chemical reactivity.

8. Explain the concept of oxidation states and their determination in chemical compounds.
Answer: Oxidation states represent the apparent charge of an atom within a compound or ion. They are determined based on rules that assign hypothetical charges to atoms in a compound or ion.

9. Describe the periodic trends in chemical reactivity across the periodic table.
Answer: Chemical reactivity generally decreases across a period from left to right and increases down a group. This trend is influenced by factors such as atomic size, ionization enthalpy, and electron gain enthalpy.

10. Discuss the properties and characteristics of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.
Answer: Alkali metals (Group 1) are highly reactive metals with low ionization enthalpies and high reactivity towards water. Alkaline earth metals (Group 2) are less reactive than alkali metals but still exhibit strong metallic properties.

11. Explain the properties and applications of transition metals.
Answer: Transition metals are characterized by their variable oxidation states, colored compounds, and catalytic properties. They find applications in various fields, including industry, medicine, and technology.

12. Describe the properties and uses of noble gases.
Answer: Noble gases (Group 18) are characterized by their inertness and low reactivity. They are used in various applications, including lighting, welding, and as inert atmospheres in chemical reactions.

13. Discuss the properties and applications of halogens.
Answer: Halogens (Group 17) are highly reactive nonmetals with distinct colors and strong oxidizing properties. They find applications in disinfectants, bleach, and pharmaceuticals.

14. Explain the properties and uses of metalloids.
Answer: Metalloids are elements that exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They are used in semiconductors, glass manufacturing, and as catalysts.

15. Describe the properties and characteristics of lanthanides and actinides.
Answer: Lanthanides and actinides are transition metals with unique electronic configurations and magnetic properties. They find applications in various fields, including technology, medicine, and nuclear energy.

16. Discuss the significance of the periodic table in predicting the properties of elements.
Answer: The periodic table provides a systematic framework for understanding the properties of elements and predicting their behavior in chemical reactions. It allows for the classification of elements based on their atomic structure and chemical properties.

17. Explain the role of periodic trends in chemical bonding and molecular structure.
Answer: Periodic trends such as atomic size, ionization enthalpy, and electron gain enthalpy influence the types of chemical bonds formed and the geometry of molecules. They help predict bond strength, polarity, and reactivity.

18. Discuss the relationship between periodic trends and the physical and chemical properties of elements.
Answer: Periodic trends influence various properties of elements, including melting and boiling points, conductivity, and chemical reactivity. Understanding these trends allows for the rationalization of observed behavior and the prediction of new materials and compounds.

19. Explain the significance of the periodic table in the development of the field of inorganic chemistry.
Answer: The periodic table serves as the foundation of inorganic chemistry, guiding the study of element properties, compounds, and their reactions. It helps organize and classify vast amounts of chemical information and facilitates the discovery of new materials and compounds.

20. Describe the contributions of Dmitri Mendeleev and Julius Lothar Meyer to the development of the periodic table.
Answer: Dmitri Mendeleev and Julius Lothar Meyer independently developed versions of the periodic table in the late 19th century. Mendeleev is often credited with the first widely recognized periodic table, which he organized based on increasing atomic mass and periodic recurrence of chemical properties. He left gaps for undiscovered elements and made predictions about their properties, many of which were later confirmed. Meyer’s periodic table, developed around the same time, arranged elements based on their atomic volume, which exhibited periodicity similar to Mendeleev’s table. Both Mendeleev and Meyer contributed significantly to the organization and classification of elements, laying the groundwork for the modern periodic table and the development of inorganic chemistry as a discipline.