P Block Elements shorts Notes for NEET

📌 P Block Elements – Short Notes for NEET

General Characteristics

• Location in Periodic Table: Groups 13–18 (p-block)
• Electronic Configuration: ns² np¹⁻⁶ (varies across the groups)
• Oxidation States: Vary widely due to availability of d-orbitals in heavier elements
• Catenation: Carbon shows the highest tendency
• Allotropy: Common in elements like Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulfur

Group-wise Overview

Group 13 – Boron Family

• Elements: B, Al, Ga, In, Tl
• Boron is a metalloid; others are metals
• Oxidation states: +3 (B, Al), +1 and +3 (Ga, In, Tl)
• Al₂O₃ is amphoteric; B₂O₃ is acidic
• AlCl₃ forms a dimer in vapor phase

Group 14 – Carbon Family

• Elements: C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb
• Carbon is a non-metal; Si and Ge are metalloids; Sn and Pb are metals
• Strongest catenation in Carbon
• SiO₂ is a covalent network solid
• CO₂ is acidic; PbO is amphoteric

Group 15 – Nitrogen Family

• Elements: N, P, As, Sb, Bi
• Nitrogen is gaseous; others are solid
• Oxidation states from -3 to +5
• NH₃ is basic; HNO₃ is a strong acid
• White phosphorus (P₄) is highly reactive

Group 16 – Oxygen Family (Chalcogens)

• Elements: O, S, Se, Te, Po
• Oxygen is a gas; others are solids
• Oxidation states: -2 (common), +4, +6 (in heavier elements)
• H₂O is neutral; H₂S is weakly acidic; SO₂ is acidic
• Ozone (O₃) is a strong oxidizing agent

Group 17 – Halogens

• Elements: F, Cl, Br, I, At
• Exist as diatomic molecules (X₂)
• Strong oxidizing agents: F₂ > Cl₂ > Br₂ > I₂
• HF is a weak acid; HCl, HBr, HI are strong acids
• React with metals to form ionic halides

Group 18 – Noble Gases

• Elements: He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn
• Inert gases with complete octet (He: 1s²)
• Low reactivity; Xe and Kr form compounds like XeF₂, XeF₄
• Used in lighting, welding, and cooling systems

Important Trends in P-Block

• Electronegativity: Decreases down the group
• Ionization Energy: Decreases down the group
• Covalency: Decreases as atomic size increases
• Thermal Stability of Hydrides: NH₃ > PH₃ > AsH₃ > SbH₃

📚 Also read: IUPAC Rules and Nomenclature – Full Guide