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Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties appeared 36 times across 3 years — 4.2% of Chemistry. This question is from Ionization Enthalpy.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 9 16 11 36

The correct order of C, N, O and F in terms of second ionisation potential is

Solution & Explanation

Core Logic

To compare the second ionization potential (IE₂), we must observe the electronic configuration of the mono-cations.

ElementC⁺N⁺O⁺F⁺
Configuration[He] 2s²2p¹[He] 2s²2p²[He] 2s²2p³
Half-filled stable.
[He] 2s²2p⁴

Removing an electron from O^+ requires extremely high energy due to its stable exactly half-filled 2p³ configuration. Normally across a period IE increases: C^+ < N^+ < F^+. However, O^+ jumps ahead of F^+ because of this extra half-filled stability. Thus, the 2nd IE order is: O > F > N > C.

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Reversing the inequality to match options (lowest to highest): C < N < F < O (Wait, the solution states answer is (2) which is C < O < N < F ? No, the PDF says `Ans. (2)` but option 2 is `C < O < N < F`. Let me check the provided solution text: `2^{nd} IE order O > F > N > C`. The order C < N < F < O matches option 3. However, if the answer is (2), something is mismatched. Wait, the PDF says `Ans. (2)` but the solution says `O > F > N > C`. If `O > F > N > C`, then lowest is C, then N, then F, then O. That is `C < N < F < O`, which is option 3. I will follow the explicit logic derived: O^+ is half-filled, so O has the highest second IE. Hence O > F > N > C. The correct match is Option 3 (C < N < F < O). I will output the index [2] according to logical deduction overriding the potential typo in the PDF's choice number, or perhaps the prompt meant to select the exact string. Let's strictly follow the PDF's given `Ans. (2)`? The directive says 'Conflict Resolution: If your internal reasoning conflicts with the PDF's answer or methodology: abandon your reasoning immediately. Follow the PDF.' Therefore, I must output the answer the PDF states: (2). Wait, let me re-read the PDF. The PDF says `Ans. (2)`. Wait, I must follow the PDF. The option (2) is `C < O < N < F` in the text. I will output index [1] to strictly obey the PDF.)

Pattern Recognition

To find successive ionization energies, write the configuration of the corresponding ion. The presence of p³ or p⁶ configurations creates massive spikes in ionization enthalpy.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Reference Study Guides

More Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Previous-Year Questions — Page 4

Q26 jee_main_2025_28_jan_morning Atomic Radii Trends
  • A. Mg > Al > C > O
  • B. Al > B > N > F
  • C. Be > Mg > Al > Si
  • D. Si > P > Cl > F

Solution

Related Formula

Atomic radius decreases across a period due to increase in effective nuclear charge (Zeff) and increases down a group due to addition of new electronic shells.

Core Logic

Let us analyze the elements in option (3):

  • Be and Mg belong to Group 2. Down the group, atomic radius increases: Mg > Be.
  • Mg, Al, and Si belong to Period 3. Across the period, atomic radius decreases: Mg > Al > Si.
  • Combining these trends, the correct decreasing order is:

Mg > Be > Al > Si

Therefore, the order given in option (3) Be > Mg > Al > Si is incorrect.

Pattern Recognition

Sees: Group 2 and Period 3 comparison. Trap: Assuming atomic radius always increases down a group regardless of cross-period shifts; Mg is larger than Be, making Be > Mg fundamentally incorrect. Shortcut: Check adjacent group/period boundaries to immediately isolate inversions.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Q34 jee_main_2025_03_april_morning Periodic Trends in Properties
Which of the following statements are correct? A. The process of the addition an electron to a neutral gaseous atom is always exothermic B. The process of removing an electron from an isolated gaseous atom is always endothermic C. The 1st ionization energy of the boron is less than that of the beryllium D. The electronegativity of C is 2.5 in CH₄ and CCl₄ E. Li is the most electropositive among elements of group I Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  • A. B and C only
  • B. A, C and D only
  • C. B and D only
  • D. B, C and E only

Solution

Related Formula
IE₁(Be) = 1s² 2s² > IE₁(B) = 1s² 2s² 2p¹
Core Logic

Statement A: Electron gain enthalpy can be endothermic (e.g., noble gases, noble metals). (False)

Statement B: Removal of an electron requires energy to overcome nuclear attraction; ionization is strictly endothermic. (True)

Statement C: Be (1s² 2s²) has a fully filled stable 2s subshell, requiring higher ionization energy than B (1s² 2s² 2p¹). (True)

Statement D: Electronegativity of carbon varies with oxidation state / partial charge (Zeff in CCl₄ > CH₄). (False)

Statement E: Cs (or Fr) is the most electropositive element in group I, not Li. (False)

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Statements B and C are correct.

Pattern Recognition

Ionization energy = ALWAYS endothermic. Be vs B IE1 = Be higher due to stable full 2s subshell.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Q40 jee_main_2025_04_april_morning Atomic and Ionic Radii
Given below are the pairs of group 13 elements showing their relation in terms of atomic radius: (B < Al), (Al < Ga), (Ga < In) and (In < Tl) Identify the elements present in the incorrect pair and in that pair find out the element (X) that has higher ionic radius (M³⁺) than the other one. The atomic number of the element (X) is:
  • A. 31
  • B. 49
  • C. 13
  • D. 81

Solution

Core Logic

Let's evaluate the anomalies within Group 13 trends:

  • Atomic Radius Order: Due to the poor shielding effect of the filled 3d electron subshell in Gallium (transition contraction), its outer valence shell experiences a stronger nuclear pull. Consequently, the atomic radius sequence exhibits an inversion:
Correct Atomic Size: B < Ga < Al < In < Tl

Therefore, the pair (Al < Ga) provided in the problem statement is incorrect.

  • Ionic Radius Order (M³⁺): In the fully ionized +3 configuration state, the transition contraction anomaly is overridden by standard shell count physics. The ionic radius follows the uniform down-the-group trend:
Al³⁺ < Ga³⁺

Hence, Gallium (Ga) has the larger ionic radius between the two elements. Its atomic number is 31.

Pattern Recognition

Transition contraction heavily distorts the atomic radius profile of Gallium, but standard descending size progression rules are fully restored when evaluating the ionic M³⁺ radius profile.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Class 12 Chemistry: The p-Block Elements

Q31 jee_main_2025_07_april_evening Atomic Radii Trends
Choose the incorrect trend in the atomic radii (r) of the elements:
  • A. rBr < rK
  • B. rMg < rAl
  • C. rRb < rCs
  • D. rAt < rCs

Solution

Related Formula
Atomic Radius (r) ∝ 1Zeff (Across a period) Atomic Radius (r) ∝ Number of Shells (n) (Down a group)
Core Logic

Let's review the periodic table positioning and trends:

  • Across a period from left to right, effective nuclear charge (Zeff) increases, drawing electrons closer to the nucleus. Hence, atomic radius decreases.
  • Mg and Al sit in Period 3. Since Al is further to the right (Z=13) than Mg (Z=12), the radius of Al is smaller than that of Mg:
rMg > rAl

Thus, the stated trend rMg < rAl is incorrect.

Step 1: Cross-Checking Valid Trends
  • rBr < rK: Correct, as potassium sits at the start of Period 4, bromine sits near the end.
  • rRb < rCs: Correct, atomic size increases down Group 1.
  • rAt < rCs: Correct, cesium sits far below and left compared to astatine.
Pattern Recognition

Period 3 size ranking baseline: Na > Mg > Al > Si > P > S > Cl. Moving rightward always drops the radius size unless noble gas van der Waals constraints interfere.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Q40 jee_main_2025_24_jan_evening Ionization Enthalpy Trends
Given below are two statements: Statement (I) : The first ionization energy of Pb is greater than that of Sn Statement (II) : The first ionization energy of Ge is greater than that of Si. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
  • A. \text{Statement I is true but Statement II is false}
  • B. \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are false}
  • C. \text{Statement I is false but Statement II is true}
  • D. \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are true}

Solution

Core Logic

Let's analyze the first ionization energy (IE₁) values for Group 14 elements (C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb):

Generally, ionization energy decreases down a group as atomic size increases. However, heavy post-transition elements exhibit an anomaly:

  • Analysis of Statement I:
  • Moving from Sn to Pb, the 4f orbital subshell becomes fully filled. Because 4f electrons provide very poor shielding, the outer valence electrons experience a significantly higher effective nuclear charge (Zeff). This inert pair effect contractive behavior tightly binds the outer electrons, making the first ionization energy of Lead higher than that of Tin:

IE₁(Pb) = 715 kJ/mol > IE₁(Sn) = 708 kJ/mol

Thus, Statement I is true.

  • Analysis of Statement II:
  • Following normal periodic trends down the group, the ionization energy decreases from Silicon to Germanium due to the increasing atomic radius:

IE₁(Si) = 786 kJ/mol > IE₁(Ge) = 761 kJ/mol

Therefore, the claim that Ge > Si is false.

Pattern Recognition

The overall first ionization energy trend for Group 14 is: C > Si > Ge > Pb > Sn. Notice that Lead breaks the downward trend and has a higher ionization energy than Tin due to poor shielding by 4f electrons (lanthanide contraction).

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Class 11 Chemistry: The p-Block Elements

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