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p-Block Elements appeared 42 times across 3 years — 4.9% of Chemistry. This question is from Group 16 Hydrides.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 16 13 13 42

Given below are two statements: Statement I: H₂Se is more acidic than H₂Te. Statement II: H₂Se has higher bond enthalpy for dissociation than H₂Te. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution & Explanation

Core Logic

Let us analyze the periodic properties of chalcogen hydrides (Group 16):

  • Bond Dissociation Enthalpy (ΔdisH): As we descend the group from Selenium to Tellurium, the size of the central atom increases significantly (rTe > rSe). This increase in size leads to poorer orbital overlap with the small 1s orbital of hydrogen, resulting in a longer and weaker M-H bond. Consequently, the bond dissociation enthalpy decreases:
ΔdisH: H₂Se (276 kJ mol⁻¹) > H₂Te (238 kJ mol⁻¹)

Thus, Statement II is true.

  • Acidic Strength: A weaker bond dissociates more easily in aqueous solution to release H^+ ions. Since the Te-H bond is weaker than the Se-H bond, H₂Te releases protons much more readily than H₂Se, making it a stronger acid:
Acidic Strength: H₂Se < H₂Te

Thus, Statement I is false.

Pattern Recognition

For binary hydrides down any group (like Group 15, 16, or 17), atomic size increase weakens the covalent bond. A weaker bond releases protons more effectively, meaning that both acidic strength and reducing character increase down the group, while thermal stability decreases.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: p-Block Elements

Reference Study Guides

More p-Block Elements Previous-Year Questions — Page 7

Q jee_main_2024_29_january_evening Anomalous Behaviour of Oxygen
Anomalous behaviour of oxygen is due to its
  • A. Large size and high electronegativity
  • B. Small size and low electronegativity
  • C. Small size and high electronegativity
  • D. Large size and low electronegativity

Solution

Related Formula
Anomalous properties of second-period elements
Core Logic

The anomalous properties of oxygen compared to other chalcogens stem directly from its position in the second period of the periodic table. It is characterized by:

  • An exceptionally small atomic radius.
  • Highly pronounced electronegativity.
  • Complete absence of low-energy valence d-orbitals.
Step 1: Selection Verification

Therefore, the combination of small size and high electronegativity is the correct choice, matching option C.

Pattern Recognition

All first members of periodic blocks (N, O, F) deviate significantly from their heavier group members due to their high charge density, high electronegativity, and lack of d-orbitals.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: p-Block Elements

Q73 jee_main_2024_27_jan_morning Properties of Boron
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Melting point of Boron (2453 K) is unusually high in group 13 elements. Reason (R) : Solid Boron has very strong crystalline lattice. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below;
  • A. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  • B. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  • C. (A) is true but (R) is false
  • D. (A) is false but (R) is true

Solution

Core Logic

Boron forms a highly compact, robust icosahedral covalent polymeric three-dimensional framework structure (B₁₂ units). This extremely solid, dense crystalline lattice organization requires immense thermal activation energy to rupture, explaining why its melting point (2453 K) is uniquely elevated among Group 13 elements. Both statements are true and (R) is the perfect explanation.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: p-Block Elements

Q90 jee_main_2024_27_jan_morning Oxidation States of Sulphur
From the given list, the number of compounds with +4 oxidation state of Sulphur: SO₃, H₂SO₃, SOCl₂, SF₄, BaSO₄, H₂S₂O₇
Numerical Answer. Answer: 3 to 3

Solution

Step 1: Audit oxidation numbers individually

CompoundOxidation State of Sulphur Calculation
SO₃x + 3(-2) = 0 x = +6
H₂SO₃2(+1) + x + 3(-2) = 0 x = +4
SOCl₂x + (-2) + 2(-1) = 0 x = +4
SF₄x + 4(-1) = 0 x = +4
BaSO₄+2 + x + 4(-2) = 0 x = +6
H₂S₂O₇2(+1) + 2x + 7(-2) = 0 2x = 12 x = +6

Step 2: Sum the targets

The compounds displaying an exact +4 assignment are H₂SO₃, SOCl₂, and SF₄. The total number is 3.

Pattern Recognition

Sulfurous derivatives, thionyl groupings, and tetrafluoride configurations typically feature the +4 oxidation level state.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Redox Reactions Class 12 Chemistry: p-Block Elements

Q65 jee_main_2024_29_jan_morning Group 14 Elements Physical Properties
Given below are two statements : Statement I : The electronegativity of group 14 elements from Si to Pb gradually decreases. Statement II : Group 14 contains non-metallic, metallic, as well as metalloid elements. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate from the options given below:
  • A. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
  • B. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • C. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Solution

Core Logic

Analyzing Statement I: The electronegativity values for Group 14 elements according to the Pauling scale are approximately:

  • Carbon (C): 2.5
  • Silicon (Si): 1.8
  • Germanium (Ge): 1.8
  • Tin (Sn): 1.8
  • Lead (Pb): 1.9
  • The electronegativity values from Si to Pb are almost identical, and it slightly increases at Pb due to the poor shielding effect of d and f-orbitals (inert pair effect). It does not "gradually decrease." Therefore, Statement I is false.

    Analyzing Statement II: Group 14 consists of:

  • Carbon (C): Non-metal
  • Silicon (Si) & Germanium (Ge): Metalloids
  • Tin (Sn) & Lead (Pb): Metals
  • Therefore, the group contains non-metals, metalloids, and metals. Statement II is true.

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.

Pattern Recognition

Electronegativity in Group 13 and 14 does not follow a strict linear decrease due to d-block and f-block contraction (poor shielding by d and f electrons).

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: The p Block Elements

Q65 jee_main_2024_30_january_evening Group 16 Elements
Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A: H₂Te is more acidic than H₂S. Reason R: Bond dissociation enthalpy of H₂Te is lower than H₂S. In the light of the above statements, Choose the most appropriate from the options given below.
  • A. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • B. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • C. A is false but R is true.
  • D. A is true but R is false.

Solution

Core Logic

As we move down Group 16, the atomic size of the central atom increases. The increased size of Tellurium compared to Sulphur leads to a longer and weaker Element-Hydrogen bond.

Consequently, the bond dissociation enthalpy of H₂Te is lower than that of H₂S. Because the Te-H bond is weaker and more easily broken, it ionizes to release H^+ ions more readily than H₂S.

Thus, H₂Te is more acidic than H₂S, making both the assertion and reason true, with the reason correctly explaining the assertion.

Pattern Recognition

Down the group for p-block hydrides: Size increases → Bond length increases → Bond strength decreases → Acidity increases.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: The p Block Elements

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