Unlocking the Elemental Symphony: Navigating the

Harmonies of the Periodic Table

 Periodic Classification of Element

CONTENTS

Introduction 2

Early Attempts At The Classification Of Elements 3

Döbereiner’s Triads 3

LIMITATION 4

Newlands’ Law Of Octaves 4

LIMITATIONS OF NEWLANDS' LAW OF OCTAVES: 5

Mendeléev’s Periodic Table 5

ACHIEVEMENTS OF MENDELÉEV’S PERIODIC TABLE 7

LIMITATIONS OF MENDELÉEV’S CLASSIFICATION 7

The Modern Periodic Table 8

FEATURES OF THE MODERN PERIODIC TABLE: 8

POSITION OF ELEMENTS IN THE PERIODIC TABLE: 11
PROPERTIES OF THE PERIODIC TABLE: 12

Question 15

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 Periodic Classification of Element

INTRODUCTION
The periodic table is a structured arrangement of chemical elements organized by their atomic
number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Its design helps scientists
understand the relationships between different elements and predict their behaviours in various
chemical reactions.

Key components of the periodic table include:

1. Atomic Number: The number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which defines the element's
identity.

2. Element Symbol: Each element is represented by a unique symbol, usually derived from its
name.

3. Atomic Mass: The average mass of an element's isotopes, listed in atomic mass units (amu).

4. Groups or Families: Columns on the periodic table, where elements share similar chemical
properties due to their similar electron configurations. There are 18 groups.

5. Periods: Rows on the periodic table, representing the number of electrons shells an atom has.
There are 7 periods.

6. Metallic Properties: Elements on the left side of the periodic table are metals, characterized
by their lustre, conductivity, and malleability.

7. Non-metallic Properties: Elements on the right side of the periodic table are nonmetals,
typically lacking metallic properties.

8. Metalloids: Elements along the "staircase" dividing metals and nonmetals exhibit properties
of both categorises

The periodic table's layout highlights periodic trends such as:

• Atomic Radius: Increases down a group and decreases across a period.

• Ionization Energy: Decreases down a group and increases across a period.

• Electronegativity: Decreases down a group and increases across a period.

• Metallic Character: Increases down a group and decreases across a period.

The periodic table serves as a foundational tool in chemistry, aiding in the understanding of
chemical bonding, reactivity, and the properties of elements. Its organization allows scientists
to make informed predictions about the behaviour of elements and their compounds, facilitating
advancements in various scientific fields.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
EARLY ATTEMPTS AT THE CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS

• Early attempts at classification grouped elements as metals and non-metals.

• Subsequent classifications were pursued as knowledge of elements and their properties
expanded.
• Analogy drawn between everyday organization (like in a shop) and scientific
classification of elements.
• Purpose of classification: to bring order to the diversity of elements and provide a
systematic framework for understanding their behaviour and relationships.
DÖBEREINER’S TRIADS

• Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner, German chemist, 1817: Attempted to classify elements

with similar properties into groups known as "triads."

• Each triad consisted of three elements; the middle element's atomic mass was
approximately average of the other two.

• Example: Lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), atomic masses: 6.9, 23.0, 39.0
respectively. The average atomic mass of Li and K was calculated.

• Analysis: Elements arranged in order of increasing atomic masses; certain groups

formed triads, with the middle element's atomic mass close to the average of other two.

• Groups B and C were identified as forming Döbereiner triads from the provided
elements.

• Only three triads were identified from elements known at that time; the classification
system was deemed not very useful.
Group A Atomic Mass Group B Atomic Mass Group C Atomic Mass
Element Element Element
N 14.0 Ca 40.1 Cl 35.5
P 32.0 Sr 87.6 Br 79.9
As 74.9 Ba 137.3 I 126.9

Table – Döbereiner’s Periodic table

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 Periodic Classification of Element
LIMITATION

• Limited applicability: Triads were only applicable to a small subset of elements.

• Arbitrary selection: The selection of elements for triads seemed arbitrary and lacked a
systematic approach.

• Incomplete coverage: Döbereiner could only identify three triads from the elements
known at the time, limiting the usefulness of the classification system.

• Unpredictability: The triad concept did not provide a predictive framework for
organizing elements or account for newly discovered elements.

• Failure to advance: Döbereiner's triads did not lead to further advancements in the
classification of elements, and they were eventually surpassed by more comprehensive
periodic table models.

NEWLANDS’ LAW OF OCTAVES

• Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner's attempts at classification inspired other chemists to

correlate elements' properties with their atomic masses.

• In 1866, John Newlands, an English scientist, arranged known elements by increasing

atomic masses from hydrogen to thorium (the 56th element).

• Newlands observed that every eighth element had properties similar to the first,
comparing it to the octaves found in music, hence termed it the "Law of Octaves," also
known as "Newlands' Law of Octaves."

• Examples within Newlands' Law of Octaves include lithium and sodium sharing similar
properties, as sodium is the eighth element after lithium. Similarly, beryllium and
magnesium exhibit a resemblance.

• However, the Law of Octaves was only applicable up to calcium; beyond this point,
every eighth element did not possess properties similar to the first.

• Newlands assumed there were only 56 elements in nature, but later discoveries
disproved this. New elements emerged whose properties didn't align with the Law of
Octaves.

• Newlands made adjustments to fit elements into his table, sometimes placing unlike
elements in the same slot. For instance, cobalt and nickel are in the same slot, grouped
with fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, despite having different properties.

• Iron, which resembles cobalt and nickel, was placed far from them in the table.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
• Newlands' Law of Octaves worked well with lighter elements but had limitations when
applied to heavier elements.

Fig - Newlands' Law of Octaves

LIMITATIONS OF NEWLANDS' LAW OF OCTAVES:

• Limited Applicability: The Law of Octaves was only applicable up to calcium; beyond
calcium, every eighth element did not possess properties similar to the first. This limited
its usefulness in predicting the properties of heavier elements.

• Assumption of Limited Elements: Newlands assumed that only 56 elements existed in

nature and that no more elements would be discovered. However, several new elements
were discovered later, whose properties did not fit into the Law of Octaves.

• Inaccurate Adjustments: To fit elements into his table, Newlands adjusted two elements
in the same slot and placed, unlike elements under the same note. For example, cobalt
and nickel are in the same slot, along with fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, despite
having very different properties. Iron, which resembles cobalt and nickel, is placed far
away from these elements, suggesting inaccuracies in the arrangement.

• Limited Predictive Power: Newlands' Law of Octaves worked well with lighter
elements only. It lacked predictive power for heavier elements and failed to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the periodicity of chemical properties across the entire
range of elements.

MENDELÉEV’S PERIODIC TABLE

• Continued Search for Pattern: Despite the rejection of Newlands' Law of Octaves,
many scientists persisted in searching for a pattern correlating elements' properties
with their atomic masses.

• Contribution of Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeléev: Mendeléev, a Russian chemist, made

the most significant contribution to the classification of elements.

• Development of the Periodic Table: Mendeléev arranged elements based on their

atomic mass and similarity of chemical properties, leading to the development of the
Periodic Table.

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 Periodic Classification of Element

• Scope of Mendeléev's Work: Mendeléev's work began when 63 elements were

known. He examined the relationship between atomic masses and properties, focusing
on compounds formed by elements with oxygen and hydrogen.

• Methodology: Mendeléev used cards to record the properties of each element, sorted
elements with similar properties, and arranged them in order of increasing atomic
masses.

• Observations: Most elements found a place in the Periodic Table, and there was a
periodic recurrence of elements with similar properties.

• Formulation of Periodic Law: Based on his observations, Mendeléev formulated the

Periodic Law, stating that "the properties of elements are a periodic function of their
atomic masses."

• Structure of Mendeléev's Periodic Table: Mendeléev's Periodic Table consists of

vertical columns called "groups" and horizontal rows called "periods."

Fig – Mendeleev’s Periodic Table

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 Periodic Classification of Element

ACHIEVEMENTS OF MENDELÉEV’S PERIODIC TABLE

• Inverted Atomic Mass Sequence: Mendeléev occasionally placed elements with

slightly greater atomic masses before those with slightly lower atomic masses to group
elements with similar properties together. For example, cobalt (atomic mass 58.9)
appeared before nickel (atomic mass 58.7).

• Identification of Anomalies: In Table 5.4, another such anomaly can be found where an
element with a slightly greater atomic mass is placed before an element with a slightly
lower atomic mass.

• Prediction of Undiscovered Elements: Mendeléev left gaps in his Periodic Table and
boldly predicted the existence of elements not yet discovered. He named these elements
using a Sanskrit numeral prefix, "Eka," followed by the name of the preceding element
in the same group. For example, scandium, gallium, and germanium were predicted as
Eka-boron, Eka-aluminium, and Eka-silicon, respectively.

• Confirmation of Predictions: When scandium, gallium, and germanium were

discovered later and found to have properties similar to those predicted by Mendeléev,
it provided convincing evidence for the correctness and usefulness of his Periodic
Table.

• Recognition of Mendeléev's Contribution: Mendeléev's extraordinary success in

predicting the properties of undiscovered elements led chemists to accept his Periodic
Table and recognize him as the originator of the concept on which it is based.

• Discovery of Noble Gases: Noble gases like helium, neon, and argon, although
mentioned in various contexts earlier, were discovered much later. Mendeléev's
Periodic Table accommodated the discovery of these gases without disrupting the
existing order, demonstrating its adaptability and accuracy.

Property Eka – Aluminium Gallium

Atomoic Mass 68 69.7
Formula of oxide E2O3 Ga2O3
Formula of Chloride ECl3 GaCl3
Fig- Properties of eka–aluminium and gallium

LIMITATIONS OF MENDELÉEV’S CLASSIFICATION

• Hydrogen's Electronic Configuration and Properties: Hydrogen's electronic

configuration resembles that of alkali metals. It combines with halogens, oxygen, and
sulfur to form compounds with similar formulae. However, like halogens, hydrogen
also exists as diatomic molecules and forms covalent compounds with metals and non-
metals.

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 Periodic Classification of Element

• Challenges in Placement of Hydrogen: Mendeléev faced difficulty in assigning a fixed

position to hydrogen in his Periodic Table due to its dual behavior resembling both
alkali metals and halogens.

• Discovery of Isotopes: Isotopes, discovered after Mendeléev proposed his periodic

classification, posed a challenge to his Periodic Law. Isotopes of an element have
similar chemical properties but different atomic masses.

• Irregularity in Atomic Masses: The discovery of isotopes highlighted the irregularity in

atomic masses when progressing from one element to the next. This irregularity made
it difficult to predict the number of elements that could be discovered between two
given elements, particularly for heavier elements.

THE MODERN PERIODIC TABLE

• In the year 1913, an English physicist named Henry Mosely found that the atomic
number of an element, which was denoted by the symbol ‘Z’ was a more basic property
to group them instead of their atomic masses. Thus Mendeleev's periodic table was
modified for the same. The elements were now grouped based on the increasing atomic
number.

• This came to be known as the Modern Periodic Law and it states, ‘properties of the
elements are a periodic function of their atomic number’. Hence the new classification
of the elements based on this came into existence and was termed as ‘Modern Periodic
Table.

• With this system of grouping, it was easy to predict the properties of the elements when
they were arranged in the order of increasing atomic numbers. It is to be noted that the
periodicity of the elements is based on the electronic configuration or the number of
protons in the nucleus.

FEATURES OF THE MODERN PERIODIC TABLE:

The table has 18 vertical columns that are known by the name of groups and 7 horizontal rows
that are named periods.

Periods:

• There are seven periods in the periodic table. Each period consists of elements that
have the same number of valence electrons or electrons in their outermost energy
shell. For example, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, and Cl are all placed in the same shell as
they have electronic shells K, L, and M.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
• Within a period, the number of electrons present in the energy shells increases by one
as you move from left to right. For instance, Na has one electron in its outermost
shell, Mg has two, Al has three, and so on.

• The number of elements present in a period can be determined using the formula 2n²,
where n is the number of the shell from the nucleus. For example, the second period
has four elements (2n² = 2 x 2² = 8, but there are only four elements because the shell
can only hold eight electrons).

K Shell 2x12 = 2 Period 1 has 2 element

L Shell 2x22 = 8 Period 2 has 8 element
M Shell 2x32 = 18 Period 3 has 18 element

• The first period consists of two elements only namely, hydrogen and helium as they
have only 1 valence shell. Example - hydrogen (Z = 1 or shell as K = 1), helium (Z = 2
or shell as K = 2)

• The second period has 8 elements with 2 shells and it starts with lithium (Z = 3 or shells
as K = 2, L = 1) and ends with neon (Z = 10 or shells as K = 2, L = 8).

• The third period has 8 elements with 3 shells and it starts with sodium (Z = 11 or shells
as K = 2, L = 8, M = 1) and ends with argon (Z = 18 or shells as K = 2, L = 8, M = 8).

• Similarly, the fourth period has 18 elements with 4 shells and starts with potassium (Z
= 19) and ends with krypton (Z = 36).

• The fifth period having 18 elements with 5 shells starts with rubidium (Z = 37) and
ends with xenon (Z = 54).

• The sixth period with 32 elements has 6 shells and it starts with caesium (Z = 55) ending
with radon (Z = 86).

• The seventh and last period is incomplete with 19 elements starts francium (Z = 87) and
going on till oganesson (Z = 118).

Group

• There are 18 groups in the periodic table. The group consists of elements that have the
same number of electrons in the valence shell or outermost shell of the atom.

• The valence shell predominantly decides the physical or chemical properties of the
elements, so the elements of the same group have the same properties due to the same
number of valence electrons. For example - fluorine and chlorine have valence electrons
of 7 and they belong to group 17.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
• The number of shells increases by one unit as the elements move down in the periodic
table in a group.

Block

s-block:

• The s-block elements are located in groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table.

• These include the alkali metals (Group 1) and alkaline earth metals (Group 2).

• The general electronic configuration for s-block elements is ns1 for Group 1 and ns2 for
Group 2.

• Example: Lithium (Li) - 1s22s1, Calcium (Ca) - 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2.

p-block:

• The p-block elements are located in groups 13 through 18 of the periodic table.

• These include the post-transition metals (Group 13), metalloids (Group 14), nonmetals
(Groups 15, 16, and 17), and noble gases (Group 18).

• The general electronic configuration for p-block elements is ns2 np1-6.

• Example: Carbon (C) - 1s2 2s2 2p2, Fluorine (F) - 1s2 2s2 2p5, Neon (Ne) - 1s2 2s2 2p6.

d-block:

• The d-block elements are located in groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table.

• These are also known as transition metals and exhibit variable oxidation states.

• The general electronic configuration for d-block elements is (n-1)d1-10 ns1-2.

• Example: Iron (Fe) - 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d6.

f-block:

• The f-block elements are located below the main body of the periodic table.

• These include the lanthanides and actinides, also known as inner transition metals.

• The general electronic configuration for f-block elements is (n-2)f1-14 (n-1)d0-1 ns2.

• Example: Cerium (Ce) - [Xe] 6s2 4f1 5d1, Uranium (U) - [Rn] 7s2 5f3.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
POSITION OF ELEMENTS IN THE PERIODIC TABLE:
The arrangement of elements in the periodic table is based on the number of electrons present
in their outermost shell, also known as the valence shell. For instance, Sodium (Z - 11, 2,8,1)
has 3 shells, and since it has one valence electron in its outermost shell, it is placed in group 1
of the periodic table.

The position of an element in the periodic table determines its chemical nature. Based on the
position of the elements in the periodic table, they can be classified as follows:

Noble gases: These are a group of elements placed in group 18, which are tasteless,
odourless monoatomic gases that have very low chemical reactivity. There are 6 such
gases, namely, Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), Radon
(Rn). They are also referred to as inert gases and due to their inertness, they are suitable
to be used where reactions are not required. Example - He is used by deep-sea divers in
the breathing gas to prevent toxicity of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Normal elements: All the elements that are placed in groups 1 to 7 are included in
this.

Alkali metals: The elements in group 1, namely Lithium (Li) - Francium (Fr), except
Hydrogen (H) are termed alkali metals as they tend to form hydroxide with water which
is strong alkalis. Thus alkali metals are very reactive and react quickly with water or
air. Example - Sodium (Na) reacts violently with oxygen in the air, so it is stored in
mineral oil.

Alkaline earth metals: These include group 2 elements starting from Beryllium (Be) -
Radium (Ra). They are less reactive than the alkali metals that are found as a compound.

Transition elements: These include the elements from groups 3 to 11. These are so
named as they exhibit a transition in their properties from the left to the right, including
an increase in atomic size, ionization energy, electronegativity.

Inner transition elements: These are elements with similar properties, placed at the end
of group 3 in periods 7 and 8. These are called the lanthanide series starting from
Lanthanum (La) - Lutetium (Lu) in period 6 with 14 elements. Period 7 contains 14
elements starting from Actinium (Ac) - Lawrencium (Lr).

Halogens: These include a group of elements in group 17 that are generally non-
metals that can exist in solid, liquid and gas form. They react with the metals to form
salts. They are Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), Astatine (At) and
Tennessine (Ts).

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 Periodic Classification of Element
PROPERTIES OF THE PERIODIC TABLE:
Valency:

• The term valency denotes the number of electrons that are gained or lost by an atom in
order to complete its outermost shell to have a stable electronic configuration. This
valency is the number of electrons present in the valence shell.

• It can be noted that the valency increases from left to right in a period, and then
decreases. The valency in the group remains the same through the group, going
downward.

• Example - Period 2 elements have atomic numbers from 3 to 10, so they have 2 shells
with an increasing number of valence till C and then it decreases. But all the group 2
elements have 2 electrons in their outermost shell, so their valency is 2.

Element Li Be B C N O F Ne
Perodic Atomic 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Number
1 2 3 4 3 2 1 0

Element Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra
Group 2 Atomic 4 12 20 38 56 88
Number
Valency 2 2 2 2 2 2

Atomic Size:

• The atomic size is determined by the atomic radius of the atom and it can be termed as
the distance from the centre of the nucleus of the atom to its outermost shell.

• It is seen that the elements are placed across a period from left to right, the atomic radius
decreases. This is because an increased nuclear charge has the tendency to pull the
electrons towards the nucleus, thereby decreasing the radius of the atom, and thus the
atomic size decreases.

• It is not the same in a group. As the elements move down a group, there is an addition
of an extra shell, hence their atomic radius and thus atomic size increase. Example –

Period 2 Element Li Be B C N O F Ne
Atomic 167pm 112pm 87pm 67 pm 56 pm 48pm 42pm 38pm
radius
Decrease

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 Periodic Classification of Element

Element Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra
Group 2 Atomic 112pm 145pm 194pm 219pm 253pm N/A
radius
Increase

Ionization Energy:

• It is termed as the amount of energy that is required to remove the electrons that are
present in the outermost shell of the atom.

• Across the period, since the atomic radius decreases, these electrons in the outermost
shell are much closer to the nucleus and therefore it requires more energy to remove
them. So, ionisation energy increases across a period.

• In the groups, since a shell is being added down the group, so the atomic radius
increases which lead to the electrons in the outermost shell being far from the nucleus
and therefore it is easy to remove them. Hence in a group, the ionisation energy
decreases going from top to bottom.

Electron Affinity:

• It is termed as the amount of energy change as a result of an addition of an electron to

the atom or the ability of an electron to accept electrons.

• In a period, from left to right as the nuclear charge increases and atomic size decreases,
it is easy for the addition of electrons, which leads to the generation of more energy.
Hence electron affinity increases across a period.

• In the group, as atomic size increases, nuclear charge decreases, so a lesser number of
electrons can be added which leads to lesser energy generation. Hence electron affinity
decreases from top to bottom in a group.

Li<Be<B<C<N<O<F<Ne

Increase ------------------------------------------------→

Be>Mg>Ca>Sr>Ba>Ra

Decrease ---------------------------------------→

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 Periodic Classification of Element
Metallic and non-metallic properties:

• The metals are those elements that have a tendency to lose electrons and attain a positive
charge. So, the metallic nature of elements means that they are electropositive and have
low ionization energy. This metallic character decreases along a period.

• The non-metallic nature of elements indicates that they have the ability to gain electrons
and attain a negative charge. So, this non-metallic nature indicates that they are
electronegative and have high ionization energies.

• Hence this non-metallic nature increases along a period. Hence, moving along a period
from left to right, the metallic character decreases and non-metallic character increases
and there is a semi-metallic nature in between them.

• The metallic nature increases down a group as the atomic size increases and they have
an increased tendency of losing electrons. Example -

These trends can be summarised with the chart for easy reference:

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 Periodic Classification of Element

QUESTION
1. Did Döbereiner’s triads also exist in the columns of Newlands’ Octaves? Compare and
find out.

Yes, Dobereiner’s triads also existed in the columns of Newland’s Octaves. For example,
Li, Na, K.

If we consider lithium (Li) as the first element, then sodium (Na) is the eighth element. If
we consider sodium as the first element, then potassium is the eighth element.

2. What were the limitations of Döbereiner’s classification?

At the time, Dobereiner could only identify three triads from the known elements, failing
to arrange them all in groups of similar chemical properties.

3. What were the limitations of Newlands’ law of octaves ?

• Limited Applicability: The Law of Octaves was only applicable up to calcium; beyond
calcium, every eighth element did not possess properties similar to the first. This limited
its usefulness in predicting the properties of heavier elements.

• Assumption of Limited Elements: Newlands assumed that only 56 elements existed in

nature and no more elements would be discovered. However, several new elements were
discovered later, whose properties did not fit into the Law of Octaves.

• Inaccurate Adjustments: In order to fit elements into his table, Newlands adjusted two
elements in the same slot and placed unlike elements under the same note. For example,
cobalt and nickel are in the same slot, along with fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, despite
having very different properties. Iron, which resembles cobalt and nickel, is placed far away
from these elements, suggesting inaccuracies in the arrangement.

Limited Predictive Power: Newlands' Law of Octaves worked well with lighter elements
only. It lacked predictive power for heavier elements and failed to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the periodicity of chemical properties across the entire range of elements.

4. Use Mendeléev’s Periodic Table to predict the formulae for the oxides of the following
elements: K, C, AI, Si, Ba.

K2O, CO2, Al2O3, SiO2, BaO.

5. Besides gallium, which other elements have since been discovered that were left by
Mendeleev in his Periodic Table?

Scandium, Germanium, Technetium, Rhenium, Francium

6. What were the criteria used by Mendeléev in creating his Periodic Table?

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 Periodic Classification of Element
Mendeleev used the relationship between the atomic masses of the elements and their
physical and chemical properties. He used similarity in physical properties, similarity
in the formation of hydrides and oxides of element.

7. Why do you think the noble gases are placed in a separate group?

Noble gases are chemically inert and are present in atmosphere in extremely low
concentrations. Therefore, owing to their similar inert behaviour and similar electronic
configuration, they are justified to be placed in a separate group.

8. How could the modern periodic table remove various anomalies of Mendeleev’s
periodic Table ?

Answer: (i) The modern periodic table is based on atomic number, while Mendeleev’s
periodic table was based on atomic mass.

(ii) The isotopes of an element have same number of protons (or atomic number). So they
are alloted the same position in modern periodic table.

(iii) Cobalt and nickel are placed at 9th and 10th position respectively.

(iv) Hydrogen has been alloted special position, i.e., it is placed at the top of alkali metals
in the first group.

9. Name two elements you would expect to show chemical reactions similar to magnesium.
What is the basis for your choice ?

Beryllium (Be) and Calcium (Ca).

Both Be (atomic number 4) and Ca (atomic number 20) have similar electronic
configuration, i.e. two electrons in outermost shells.

Be 2,2

Ca 2, 8, 8, 2

Both Be and Ca react with oxygen to give basic oxides, BeO and MgO.

10. Name :
(a) three elements that have a single electron in their outermost shells.
(b) two elements that have two electrons in their outermost shells.
(c) three elements with filled outer most shells.
Answer:

(a) Lithium : Atomic number – 3(2, 1); Sodium : Atomic number – 11(2, 8, 1); Potassium
: Atomic number – 19(2, 8, 8, 1).

(b) Beryllium : Atomic number – 4(2, 2); Calcium : Atomic number – 20(2, 8, 8, 2)

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 Periodic Classification of Element
(c) Helium : Atomic number – 2(2); Neon : Atomic number – 10(2, 8); Argon : Atomic
number – 18(2, 8, 8).

Question 11

(a) Lithium, sodium, potassium are all metals that react with water to liberate hydrogen gas.
Is there any similarity in the atoms of these elements ?

(b) Helium is an unreactive gas and neon is a gas of extremely low reactivity. What, if
anything, do their atoms have in common ?

Answer:

(a) Lithium, sodium and potassium all belong to the same group. The atoms of lithium,
sodium and potassium all have only one electron in their outermost shells and all of these
are metals. All of these react with water to form alkalies.

(b) The atoms of helium and neon have their outermost shells completely filled. Helium
has its first shell completely filled, while neon has its first and second shells (K and L)
completely filled.

12. In the modern periodic table, which are the metals among the first ten elements ?

The first ten elements in modern periodic table are hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium,
boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine and neon. Out of these, lithium, beryllium and
boron are metals, because they have 1, 2 and 3 electrons respectively in their outermost
shells.

13. By considering their position in the Periodic Table, which one of the following elements
would you expect to have maximum metallic characteristics ?

Ga, Ge, As, Se, Be

Answer:

Beryllium (Be). In the periodic table, the elements placed on the left show maximum
metallic characteristics. Since beryllium occupies the most left position in comparison to
other elements, hence it shows maximum metallic characteristics.

14. Which of the following statements is not a correct statement about the trends wlien
going from left to right across the periods of Periodic Table.

(a) The elements become less metallic in nature.

(b) The number of valence electrons increases.

(c) The atoms lose their electrons more easily.

(d) The oxides become more acidic.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
The correct answer is:

(d) The oxides become more acidic.

Explanation:

When moving from left to right across the periods of the periodic table, the trend for oxides
is that they become more acidic until reaching the boundary between metals and nonmetals,
after which they become more basic. This is because the oxides of elements on the left side
of the periodic table (metals) tend to form basic oxides, while the oxides of elements on the
right side (nonmetals) tend to form acidic oxides.

Therefore, statement (d) is not a correct statement about the trends when going from left to
right across the periods of the Periodic Table.

15. Element X forms a chloride with the formula XCl2, which is solid with a high melting
point. X would most likely to be in the same group of the periodic table as

(a) Na

(b) Mg

(c) Al

(d) Si

The correct answer is:

(b) Mg

Explanation:

The chloride with the formula XCl2 suggests that element X has a valency of +2, meaning
it loses two electrons to form a stable compound. This characteristic is typical of elements
in Group 2 of the periodic table, such as magnesium (Mg).

Option (b) Mg is the most appropriate choice since it is in Group 2 and tends to form
compounds with a 2+ oxidation state, like XCl2. Elements in Group 1 (such as Na) typically
form compounds with a 1+ oxidation state, while those in Group 13 (such as Al) usually
form compounds with a 3+ oxidation state. Silicon (Si), a metalloid, is not typically found
in Group 2 and is less likely to form a chloride with a 2+ oxidation state.

16. Which element has

(a) two shells, both of which are completely filled with electrons ?

(b) the electronic configuration 2, 8, 2 ?

(c) a total of three shells, with four electrons in its valence shell ?

(d) a total of two shells with three electrons in its valence shell. v

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 Periodic Classification of Element
(e) twice as many electrons in its second shell as in its first shell ?

Let's analyze each option:

(a) The element with two shells, both of which are completely filled with electrons,
corresponds to a noble gas. Specifically, it is Helium (He), with the electronic configuration
1s², where both shells (K and L) are completely filled.

(b) The electronic configuration 2, 8, 2 corresponds to the element Magnesium (Mg), with
atomic number 12. Its electronic configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s².

(c) The element with a total of three shells and four electrons in its valence shell
corresponds to Silicon (Si), with the electronic configuration 2, 8, 4.

(d) The element with a total of two shells and three electrons in its valence shell corresponds
to Boron (B), with the electronic configuration 2, 3.

(e) The element with twice as many electrons in its second shell as in its first shell
corresponds to Oxygen (O), with the electronic configuration 2, 6.

So, summarizing:

(a) Helium (He)

(b) Magnesium (Mg)

(c) Silicon (Si)

(d) Boron (B) (e) Oxygen (O)

17. (a) What property do all elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as boron
have in common?

Elements in the same column or group as boron have valency of three and have three
valence electrons.

(b) What property do all elements in the same column of the Periodic Table as fluorine
have in common?

Elements in the same column or group as fluorine form acidic oxides and have seven
electrons in their outermost shells and have valency of one.

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

(a) What is the atomic number of this element ?

The atomic number of the given element is 2 + 8 + 7(= 17).

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 Periodic Classification of Element
(b) To which of the following elements would it be chemically similar ? (Atomic
numbers are given in parentheses.)

N (7), F (9), P (15), Ar (18)

It would be chemically similar to fluorine [F(9)] because its electronic configuration

is 2, 7.

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

Group 16 Group 17
-- --
-- A
-- --
B C

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

Since the valency of group 17 elements is 1 and all these elements accept electrons,
thus A is a non-metal.

(b) State whether C is more reactive or less reactive than A.

C is less reactive than A because as we move down in a group, the reactivity of non-
metals increases.

(c) Will C be larger or smaller in size than B?

C is smaller in size than B because B and C both are related to the same period and
the size decreases as one moves from left to right in a period.

(d) Which type of ion, cation or anion, will be formed by element A?

A will form anion because it is a non-metal.

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

Answer:

Electronic configuration of nitrogen -2,5

Electronic configuration of phosphorus = 2, 8, 5

Nitrogen will be more electronegative because outermost shell is nearer to nucleus

and therefore nucleus will attract electrons more strongly. In a group of the periodic
table, electron attracting tendency decreases as we move from top to bottom.

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 Periodic Classification of Element
21. How does the electronic configuration of an atom relate to its position in the
Modern Periodic Table ?

Modern periodic table is based on the atomic number and atomic number is directly
related to the electronic configuration. One can find the group number and period
number of an element on the basis of electronic configuration. For example, if an
element has 1 or 2 electrons in its outermost shell, then it would belong to group 1 or
group 2. And if it has 3 or more electrons in its outermost shell, then it would belong to
group 10 4- the number of electrons in the outermost shell.

All the alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell, so they are placed in
group 1. Thus, all the group 2 elements have 2 electrons in their outermost shell. In
group 15 elements, there are 5 electrons in their outermost shell. Similarly, the number
of shells in an element indicates its period number. For example, the atomic number of
magnesium is 12 and its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 2. Thus it is an element of 3rd
period.

22. In the Modern Periodic Table, calcium (atomic number 20) is surrounded by
elements with atomic number 12, 19, 21 and 38. Which of these have physical and
chemical properties resembling calcium ?

Answer:

The electronic configuration of elements with :

Atomic number 12 = 2, 8, 2

Atomic number 19 = 2, 8, 8, 1

Atomic number 20 = 2, 8, 8, 2

Atomic number 21 = 2, 8, 9, 2

Atomic number 38 = 2, 8, 18, 8, 2

Elements with atomic number 12 i.e., magnesium (Mg) and 38 i.e., strontium (Sr) will
have similar physical and chemical properties as element with atomic numbers 20 i.e.,
calcium (Ca).

23. Compare and contrast the arrangement of elements in Mendeleev’s Periodic Table
and the Modern Periodic Table.

Aspect Mendeleev’s Periodic Modern Periodic Table

Table
Basis of arrangement Atomic mass Atomic number
Grouping of elements Based on chemical and Based on similar chemical
physical properties properties and valence
electrons

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 Periodic Classification of Element
Classification of periods Based on increasing Based on the number of
atomic masses electron shells and energy
levels
Predictions of new Gaps left for Predictions based on
elements undiscovered elements, periodic trends and
which were predicted electronic structure
Placement of isotopes Not considered, Elements with isotopes
discovered after are placed based on
Mendeleev's time atomic number
Noble gases Not identified separately Identified as a distinct
group
Transition metals Incorporated into the Placed separately in the d-
main body of the table block
Lanthanides and Placed separately at the Placed separately at the
Actinides bottom bottom

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