NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7

The p-Block Elements

Q 1: Discuss the general characteristics of Group 15 elements with reference to their electronic
configuration, oxidation state, atomic size, ionisation enthalpy and electronegativity

Solution:
General trends in group 15 elements
(i) Electronic configuration: There are 5 valence electrons for all the elements in group 15.
ns2 np3 is their general electronic configuration.

(ii) Oxidation states: All these elements require three or more electrons to complete their octets and
have 5 valence electrons. It is difficult in gaining electrons as the nucleus will have to attract three more
electrons. This happens only with nitrogen as it is the smallest in size and the distance between the
nucleus and the valence shell is relatively small. The remaining elements of this group show a formal
oxidation state of −3 in their covalent compounds. In addition to the −3 state, N and P also show −1 and
−2 oxidation states. All the elements present in this group show +3 and +5 oxidation states. However,
the stability of +5 oxidation state decreases down a group, whereas the stability of +3 oxidation state
increases. This happens because of the inert pair effect.

(iii) Ionization energy and electronegativity:

Ionization decreases as we move down the group. This happens because of increase in atomic
sizes. Moving down the group, electronegativity decreases due to increase in size.

(iv) Atomic size: As we move down the group atomic size increases. This increase in
the atomic size is attributed to an increase in the number of shells.

Q 2: Why does the reactivity of nitrogen differ from phosphorus?

Solution:
Nitrogen is chemically less reactive. This is because of the high stability of its molecule, N2. In N2, the two
nitrogen atoms form a triple bond. This triple bond has very high bond strength, which is very difficult to
break. It is because of nitrogen’s small size that it is able to form pπ−pπ bonds with itself. This property is
not exhibited by atoms such as phosphorus. Thus, phosphorus is more reactive than nitrogen.

Q 3: Discuss the trends in chemical reactivity of group 15 elements.

Solution:
General trends in chemical properties of group − 15
(i) Reactivity towards hydrogen:
The elements of group 15 react with hydrogen to form hydrides of type EH3, where E = N, P, As, Sb, or
Bi. The stability of hydrides decreases on moving down from NH3 to BiH3.
(ii)Reactivity towards oxygen:
The elements of group 15 form two types of oxides: E2O3 and E2O5, where E = N, P, As, Sb, or Bi. The
oxide with the element in the higher oxidation state is more acidic than the other. However, the acidic
character decreases on moving down a group.
(iii) Reactivity towards halogens:
The group 15 elements react with halogens to form two series of salts: EX3 and EX5. However, nitrogen
does not form NX5 as it lacks the d-orbital. All trihalides (except NX3) are stable.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

(iv) Reactivity towards metals:

The group 15 elements react with metals to form binary compounds in which metals exhibit
−3 oxidation states.

Q 4: Why does NH3 form hydrogen bond but PH3 does not?
Solution:
When compared to phosphorus nitrogen is highly electronegative. This results in a greater attraction of
electrons towards nitrogen in NH3 than towards phosphorus in PH3. Hence, the extent of hydrogen
bonding in PH3 is very less as compared to NH3.

Q 5: How is nitrogen prepared in the laboratory? Write the chemical equations of the reactions
involved
Solution:
An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride is treated with sodium nitrite.

NO and HNO3 are produced in small amounts. These are impurities that can be removed on passing
nitrogen gas through aqueous sulphuric acid, containing potassium dichromate.

Q 6: How is ammonia manufactured industrially?

Solution:
Ammonia is prepared on a large-scale by the Haber’s process.
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g)

The optimum conditions for manufacturing ammonia are:

(i) Pressure (around 200 x 105 Pa)
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

(ii) Temperature (700 K)

(iii) Catalyst such as iron oxide with small amounts of Al2O3 and K2O

Q 7: Illustrate how copper metal can give different products on reaction with HNO3.
Solution:
Concentrated nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. It is used for oxidizing most metals.
The products of oxidation depend on the temperature, concentration of the acid, and also
on the material undergoing oxidation.

Q 8: Give the resonating structures of NO2 and N2O5

Solution:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Q 9: The HNH angle value is higher than HPH, HAsH and HSbH angles. Why? [Hint: Can
be explained on the basis of sp3 hybridisation in NH3 and only s−p bonding between hydrogen
and other elements of the group].
Solution:
Hydride NH3 PH3 AsH3 SbH3
H−M−H angle 107° 92° 91° 90°
The above trend in the H−M−H bond angle can be explained on the basis of the electronegativity of the
central atom. Since nitrogen is highly electronegative, there is high electron density around nitrogen.
This causes greater repulsion between the electron pairs around nitrogen, resulting in maximum bond
angle. We know that electronegativity decreases on moving down a group. Consequently, the repulsive
interactions between the electron pairs decrease, thereby decreasing the H−M−H bond angle.

Q 10: Why does R3P = O exist but R3N = O does not (R = alkylgroup)?
Solution:
N (unlike P) lacks the d-orbital. This restricts nitrogen to expand its coordination number beyond four.
Hence, R3N = O does not exist.

Q 11: Explain why NH3 is basic while BiH3 is only feebly basic.
Solution:
NH3 is distinctly basic while BiH3 is feebly basic.
Nitrogen has a small size due to which the lone pair of electrons is concentrated in a small
region. This means that the charge density per unit volume is high. On moving down a
group, the size of the central atom increases and the charge gets distributed over a large
area decreasing the electron density. Hence, the electron-donating capacity of group 15
element hydrides decrease on moving down the group.

Q 12: Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P4. Why?

Solution:
Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form pπ−pπ multiple bonds with itself.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N2. On moving down a group, the tendency to
form pπ−pπ bonds decreases (because of the large size of heavier elements). Therefore, phosphorus (like
other heavier metals) exists in the P4 state.

Q 13: Write the main differences between the properties of white phosphorus and red
phosphorus.

Solution:

Q 14: Why does nitrogen show catenation properties less than phosphorus?
Solution:
Catenation is much more common in phosphorous compounds than in nitrogen
compounds. This is because of the relative weakness of the N−N single bond as compared
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

to the P−P single bond. Since nitrogen atom is smaller, there is greater repulsion of
electron density of two nitrogen atoms, thereby weakening the N−N single bond.

Q 15: Give the disproportionation reaction of H3PO3.

Solution:
On heating, orthophosphorus acid (H3PO3) disproportionates to give orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) and
phosphine (PH3). The oxidation states of P in various species involved in the reaction are mentioned
below.
4H3P+3O3→ 3H3P+5O4 + P-3H3

Q 16: Can PCl5 act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent? Justify.

Solution:
PCl5 can only act as an oxidizing agent. The highest oxidation state that P can show is +5. In PCl5,
phosphorus is in its highest oxidation state (+5). However, it can decrease its oxidation state and act as
an oxidizing agent.

Q 17: Justify the placement of O, S, Se, Te and Po in the same group of the periodic table in
terms of electronic configuration, oxidation state and hydride formation.
Solution:
The elements of group 16 are collectively called chalcogens.
(i) Elements of group 16 have six valence electrons each.
The general electronic configuration of these elements is ns2np4, where n varies from 2 to 6
(ii) Oxidation state:
As these elements have six valence electrons (ns2np4), they should display an oxidation state of -2.
However, only oxygen predominantly shows the oxidation state of −2 owing to its high electronegativity.
It also exhibits the oxidation state of −1 (H2O2), zero (O2), and +2 (OF2). However, the stability of the -2
oxidation state decreases on moving down a group due to a decrease in the electronegativity of the
elements. The heavier elements of the group show an oxidation state of +2, +4, and +6 due to the
availability of d-orbitals.
(iii) Formation of hydrides:
These elements form hydrides of formula H2E, where E = O, S, Se, Te, PO. Oxygen and sulphur also form
hydrides of type H2E2. These hydrides are quite volatile in nature.

Q 18: Why is dioxygen a gas but sulphur a solid?

Solution:
Oxygen is smaller in size when compared to sulphur. Since its size is small, it can form pπ−pπ bonds
and form O2 (O = O) molecule. Also, the intermolecular forces in oxygen are weak van der Wall’s,
which cause it to exist as gas. On the other hand, sulphur does not form M2 molecule but exists as a
puckered structure held together by strong covalent bonds. Hence, it is a solid.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Solution:
More the lattice energy of a compound, more stable it will be. Stability of an ionic compound depends
on its lattice energy.
Lattice energy is directly proportional to the charge carried by an ion. When a metal combines with
oxygen, the lattice energy of the oxide involving O2- ion is much more than the oxide involving O– ion.
Hence, the oxide having O2- ions are more stable than oxides having O– ion. Hence, we can say that
formation of O2- is energetically more favourable than formation of O–.

Q 20. Which aerosols deplete ozone?

Solution:
The aerosol which is responsible for the depletion of ozone is: Freons or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
The molecules of CFS break down when there is presence of ultraviolet radiations and forms chlorine
free radicals which then combines with ozone to form oxygen.

Q 21. Describe the manufacture of H2SO4 by contact process.

Solution:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Q 22: How is SO2 an air pollutant?

Solution:
The environment is harmed by sulphur dioxide in many ways:

1. Sulphuric acid is formed, when it is combined with water vapour present in the atmosphere. This
causes acid that damages plants, soil, buildings (those made of marble are more prone), etc.

2. SO2 causes irritation in respiratory tract, throat, eyes and can also affect the larynx to cause
breathlessness.

3. The colour of the leaves of the plant gets faded when it is exposed to sulphur dioxide for a long time.
This defect is known as chlorosis. The formation of chlorophyll is affected by the presence of sulphur
dioxide.

Q 23: Why are halogens strong oxidising agents?

Solution:

Halogens have an electronic configuration of np5, where n =2 to 6. Thus, halogens require only one
more electron to complete their octet and to attain the stable noble gas configuration. Moreover,
halogens have high negative electron gain enthalpies and are highly electronegative with low
dissociation energies. As a result, they have a high tendency to gain an electron. Hence, they act as
strong oxidising agents.

Q 24: Explain why fluorine forms only one oxoacid, HOF.

Solution:

Fluorine has high electronegativity and small size, hence it forms only one oxoacid i.e., HOF.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Q 25: Explain why inspite of nearly the same electronegativity, nitrogen forms hydrogen
bonding while chlorine does not.

Solution:

Oxygen has a smaller size and due to which a higher electron density per unit volume. Hence, oxygen
forms hydrogen bonds while chlorine does not despite having similar electronegative values.

Q 26. Write two uses of ClO2.

Solution:

Applications of ClO2
(a) Used for purification of water.
(b) Used for bleaching.

Q 27. Why are halogens coloured?

Solution:

Halogens are coloured because they take in radiations from the visible spectrum. This excites the
valence electrons to a higher energy level. The amount of energy required for excitation differs from
halogen to halogen, thus they exhibit different colours.

Q28. Write the reactions of F2 and Cl2 with water.

Solution:

Q29. How can you prepare Cl2 from HCl and HCl from Cl2? Write reactions only

Solution:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Q30. What inspired N. Bartlett for carrying out reaction between Xe and PtF6?

Solution:

N. Barlett observed that PtF6 and O2 react to produce a compound O2+[ PtF6]–.
As the first ionization enthalpy of Xe (1170 kJ/mol) is very close to that of O2 , he figured that PtF6 could
also oxidize Xe to Xe+. Thus, he reacted PtF6 and Xe to form a red coloured compound Xe+[ PtF6]– .

Q31. What are the oxidation states of phosphorus in the following:

( a ) H3PO3
( b ) PCl3
( c ) Ca3P2
( d ) Na3PO4
( e ) POF3?

Solution:

Let the oxidation state of phosphorous be x

(a) H3PO3
3 + x + 3( -2) = 0
x -3 = 0
x =3

(b) PCl3
x + 3( -1) = 0
x=3

(c) Ca3P2
3 (2) + 2 (x) = 0
2x = -6
x = -3

(d) Na3PO4
3 (1) + x + 4 (-2) = 0
x -5 =0
x =5

(e)POF3
x + (-2) + 3 (-1) = 0
x -5 = 0
x=5

Q 32. Write balanced equations for the following:

(i) NaCl is heated with sulphuric acid in the presence of MnO2.
(ii) Chlorine gas is passed into a solution of NaI in water.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Solution:

Q33. How are xenon fluorides XeF2, XeF4 and XeF6 obtained?

Solution:

Q34. With what neutral molecule is ClO- isoelectronic? Is that molecule a Lewis base?

Solution:

ClO– is isoelectronic with ClF.

Total electrons in ClO– = 17 + 8 + 1 =26
Total electrons in ClF = 17 + 9 = 26
As ClF accepts electrons from F to form ClF3, ClF behaves like a Lewis base.

Q35. How are XeO3 and XeOF4 prepared?

Solution:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

Q36. Arrange the following in the order of property indicated for each set:
(i) F2, Cl2, Br2, I2 – increasing bond dissociation enthalpy.
(ii) HF, HCl, HBr, HI – increasing acid strength.
(iii) NH3, PH3, AsH3, SbH3, BiH3 – increasing base strength.

Solution:

Q37. Which one of the following does not exist?

(i) XeOF4 (ii) NeF2 (iii) XeF2 (iv) XeF6

Solution:

The one that does not exist is NeF2.

Q38. Give the formula and describe the structure of a noble gas species which is isostructural
with:
( a ) ICl4–
( b ) IBr2–
( c ) BrO3–

Solution:
(a) XeF4 is isoelectronic to ICl4– . And it is square planar in geometry:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

(b) XeF2 is isoelectronic with IBr2– . It has a linear structure.

(c)XeO3 is isoelectric and isostructural to BrO3–. It has a pyramidal structure.

Q39. Why do noble gases have comparatively large atomic sizes?

Solution:
Noble gases have atomic radii that correspond to van der Waal’s radii. Whereas, other elements have a
covalent radius. Now, by definition, van der Waal’s radii are bigger than covalent radii. This is the
reason why noble gases have relatively bigger atomic sizes.

Q40. List the uses of neon and argon gases.

Solution:
Uses of Argon gas:
(a) Argon is used to keep an inert atmosphere in high temperature metallurgical operations like arc
welding.
(b) It is used in fluorescent and incandescent lamps where it is required to check the sublimation of the
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
The p-Block Elements

filament. Thereby, increasing the life of the lamp.

(c) Argon is used in laboratories to handle substances that are air-sensitive.
Uses of neon gas:
(a) Neon is filled in discharge tubes for advertising or decoration.
(b) Neon is used for making beacon lights.
(c) It is used alongside helium to protect electrical equipment against high voltage.