Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

P-block elements are a group of elements in the periodic table that occupy the rightmost six groups (13 to 18). They are characterized by their valence electrons occupying the p-subshell.

General Properties of P-block Elements:

Physical Properties:
  • Variable physical states: Solids, liquids, and gases at room temperature.
  • Generally low melting and boiling points, except for those with strong covalent bonding.
  • Metallic to non-metallic character across the period, with increasing non-metallic character towards the right.
  • Most are poor conductors of electricity and heat, except for metals.
Chemical Properties:
  • Variable valency: Can exhibit multiple valencies due to the availability of p-orbital electrons.
  • Form oxides, halides, and sulfides with varying degrees of acidity and basicity.
  • Generally form covalent compounds.
  • Show a trend of increasing electronegativity across the period.

Groups within P-block:

Group 13 (Boron Group):
  • Includes boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium.
  • Primarily covalent compounds.
  • Boron is a metalloid, while others are metals.
  • Show amphoteric nature, reacting with both acids and bases.
Group 14 (Carbon Group):
  • Includes carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead.
  • Diverse properties, ranging from non-metallic (carbon) to metallic (lead).
  • Carbon is a unique element with various allotropes (diamond, graphite, etc.).
  • Form oxides with acidic, amphoteric, or basic properties.
Group 15 (Nitrogen Group):
  • Includes nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth.
  • Increasing metallic character down the group.
  • Nitrogen is a diatomic gas, while others are solids.
  • Form oxides with acidic, amphoteric, or basic properties.
  • Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for living organisms.
Group 16 (Oxygen Group):
  • Includes oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium.
  • Increasing metallic character down the group.
  • Oxygen is a diatomic gas, while others are solids.
  • Form oxides with acidic, amphoteric, or basic properties.
  • Oxygen is essential for respiration and combustion.
Group 17 (Halogen Group):
  • Includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.
  • Highly reactive non-metals.
  • Form diatomic molecules.
  • Strong oxidizing agents.
  • Used in various industrial applications.
Group 18 (Noble Gases):
  • Includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
  • Monatomic gases with stable electronic configurations.
  • Generally unreactive due to their filled valence shells.
  • Used in various applications, such as lighting, refrigeration, and medical imaging.

Trends in P-block Elements:

  • Atomic Size: Increases down the group and decreases across the period.
  • Ionization Energy: Decreases down the group and increases across the period.
  • Electron Affinity: Increases across the period but decreases down the group.
  • Electronegativity: Increases across the period and decreases down the group.
  • Metallic Character: Increases down the group and decreases across the period.

Applications of P-block Elements:

  • Industrial: Used in various industries, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and construction.
  • Medical: Essential for human health and used in various medical applications.
  • Environmental: Play a crucial role in the environment and ecosystem.

Additional Notes:

  • The diagonal relationship exists between boron and silicon, as well as aluminum and germanium, due to their similar sizes and properties.
  • The inert pair effect is observed in heavier elements of Group 13 and Group 15, where the lower oxidation state becomes more stable due to the reluctance of the 2p electrons to participate in bonding.


Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes

Learn about P Block - Chemistry Short Notes