Chapter 3

Periodic Classification of Elements

This chapter deals with study of classification of elements.

Dobernier's law of triads: -

Dobernier arranged the elements in the increasing order of atomic weight. Then
he found that the properties of the middle element, is the average of other two
elements.
Eg: - consider lithium, sodium & Potassium.
Atomic mass of Li is 7 of Atomic mass of K is 39
(7+39) (46)
i.e. Atomic mass of Na = = = 23
2 2

But, this classification is failure in the case of elements with high atomic mass.
Newland's law of Octaves:
Newland arranged the elements in the increasing order of their atomic weight
then he found that the properties of every 8th element are repeated like 8th note of
music. This is known as Newland's law of octaves.
Mendeliev periodic law:
Mendeliev arranged the elements in the increasing order of their atomic weight,
then he found that the properties are repeated after a regular interval. Then he
states that the physical and chemical properties of elements are the periodic
functions of their atomic weight. This is known as Mendeliev Periodic law.
Modern periodic law:
Mosely arranged the elements in the increasing order of atomic number. Then he
found that the properties of elements are repeated after regular intervals. Modern
periodic law states that physical and chemical properties of elements are the
periodic function of their atomic number and not atomic weight. Modern periodic
table consist of 7 horizontal rows, are called periods and 18 vertical columns are
called groups.
Classification of elements into different blocks.
In Modern periodic table, the elements are classified into 4 blocks are shown
below.
S - block element, P - block element, d - block element, f - block element.

S-Block elements:

S Block elements are those elements in which the last electron goes to S orbital
of the outer most shell. In periodic table, group number 1 and 2 are called S block
elements. The elements of group I are called alkali metals and its general
configuration is ns1. Elements of group 2 are called alkaline earth metals and its
general configuration is ns2. Where n is the number outermost shell. The general
outermost electronic configuration of S-block element is ns (1-2).

P-Block Elements
P Block elements are those elements in which the last electron goes to p orbital
of the outermost shell. The elements of group no 13 to 18 except helium are called
P block elements.
Eg: -. B-5, 1S2, 2S2, 2P1
Ne -10, 1S2, 2S2, 2P6
The General outermost configuration of P block elements, can be written as ns2
np (1-6)
d Block Elements:
d block elements are those elements in which the last election goes to d orbital of
penultimate shell. These elements are also called transition elements. In periodic
table, d block elements are placed between S and P block. The general
configuration of d block element is
(n-1) d (1-10) ns (1-2), where n is the number of outer most shell.
F Block elements:
f block elements are those elements in which the last electron goes to f orbital of
the antepenultimate shell. They are also called inner transition elements. It
consists of 2 series namely, Lanthanide series in which 4f orbital is gradually
filled by electrons & Actinide series in which 5f orbital is gradually filled by
electrons. F block elements (Lanthanide & Actinides) consist of 28 elements and
they are also called rare earth elements. General Configuration of f block element
is (n-2) f1-14(n-1) d0-1ns2

Properties of elements:

1. Atomic size or Atomic radius: -

The distance between nucleus and outer most shell of an atom is known as
atomic size or atomic radius. It is expressed in Pico metre (1pm = 10-12m)

In modern periodic table atomic size increases from left to right along the Period.
Because, atomic no increases and at same time nuclear charge Increases by 1 unit.
But the additional electrons goes to the same shell. The Force of attraction
between nucleus and outermost electron increases then atom will shrink/contract
but along the group from top to bottom atomic size Increases because the no of
shells increases with increase in atomic no. at the same time the electron goes to
additional shells. Therefore, the distance between the nucleus and outmost
electron increases and the force of attraction between the outermost electron and
nucleus decrease. Therefore, Atom will expand its size.
 2. Ionisation Enthalpy: -
It is defined as the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron
from the outmost shell of an atom in the gaseous state. This is also called 1st
ionisation Enthalpy.
𝑨(𝒈) + 𝑬𝟏 → 𝑨+ (𝒈) + 𝒆−

2nd Ionisation Enthalpy: -

It is defined as the minimum amount of energy required to convert a uni
positive ion to di-positive ion & denoted as E2.
𝑨+ (𝒈) + 𝑬𝟐 → 𝑨𝟐+ (𝒈) + 𝒆−

3rd Ionisation Enthalpy: -

3rd Ionisation Enthalpy is defined as the amount of energy required to remove an
electron from di-positive ion to tri-positive ion (E3).
𝑨𝟐+ (𝒈) + 𝑬𝟑 → 𝑨𝟑+ (𝒈) + 𝒆−

For an atom, ionization enthalpy increases in the order of E1<E2<E3

Variation of ionization enthalpy in periodic table
In modern periodic table, ionization enthalpy value increases from left to right
along the period. This is due to increase of nuclear charge and decreases of atomic
size therefore, ionization enthalpy also increases. But along the group from top
to bottom ionization enthalpy value decreases because atomic size increases
therefore, distance between the nucleus and outermost electrons increases or the
force of attraction between nucleus and outer most electron decreases. Hence,
ionization enthalpy values decrease.
The following graph represents variations of ionization enthalpy and atomic
number of second period elements.

In the above graph the ionization enthalpy of Boron is less than Beryllium,
Because Be has a stable fulfilled outer most electronic configuration (Be-4- 1S2
2S2). Boron has an unstable outer most electronic configuration (B-5-1S2 2S2
2P1). I.e., it is very difficult to remove one electron from Be than B. the Ionisation
Enthalpy of Be is greater than B. Similarly, ionization enthalpy of N is greater
than Oxygen. Because N has half filled stable outer most electron Configuration
(N-7 1S2 2S2 2P3) and has a partially filled unstable outer most Electronic
configuration (O-8-1S2 2S2 2P4). It is very difficult to remove a electron from N
atom than O, ionization enthalpy of N is greater than O.
Following graph represent the variation of ionization enthalpy of alkali metal,
(group 1st metals) with respect to atomic no.
 3) electron Affinity or Electron gain Enthalpy

It is defined as the amount of energy liberated when on extra electron is added to

a neutral gaseous atom. As a result, it become (-ve charge). It can be represented
as A(g) + e → A-(g) + E, where E is the electron affinity or electron gain
enthalpy.

In modern periodic table, electron affinity values increase from left to right along
the period, but along the group from top to bottom electron affinity values
decreases because along the period from left to right atomic size decreases,
nuclear charge increases and attractive force between the nucleus and outermost
electron increases. Therefore, smaller atoms can liberate more energy than the
bigger atoms. But along the group from top to bottom atomic size increases. Force
of attraction between the nucleus and outer most electron decreases. Therefore,
election affinity values decrease.
In the case of Halogen (group 17 elements – F, Cl, Br, I).
Electron gain enthalpy of chorine is greater than Fluorine. In fluorine (1s2 2s2 2p5)
the extra electron goes to 2p orbital while in the case of Chlorine
(1s22s22p63s23p5) extra electron goes to 3P orbital. 2P orbital of fluorine is more
compact (small in size) than 3P orbital of Chlorine. Therefore the electrons in the
2P orbital will experience more repulsive force than 3P orbital, Therefore, the ,
amount of energy liberated in chlorine is greater than fluorine. The following
graph represents the variation of electron gain enthalpy of halogen with respect
to the atomic number.
 4) Electronegativity

It is the tendency to attract the shared pair of electrons by an atom in a covalent

molecule. In periodic table electronegativity values increases from left to right.
This is due to decrease of atomic size, increase of nuclear charge and increase of
attractive force between nucleus and outermost electron. But in the group from
top to bottom, electro negativity values decrease. This is due to the increase of
atomic size, decrease of attractive force between the nucleus and electron. In
periodic table, Fluorine is the most electro negative element.

List of Elements having atomic number above 100 is shown below. (IUPAC)
Following are the word root of digits from 0-9
Questions
1) The group 1 metals in periodic table are collectively called alkali metals.
i) Write the general electronic configuration of alkali metals
ii) Identify the alkali metals exhibiting anomalous properties and
why?
iii) Alkali metals are normally kept in Kerosene why?
iv) Alkali metals are never found free in nature why?

Ans.
i) ns1
ii) Lithium shows anomalous behaviour due its small size.
iii) Because alkali metals when exposed to air. They burnt or catches
fire to form corresponding Oxides.
iv) Alkali metals are electropositive or they are highly reactive hence,
they combine with electro negative elements to form their
compounds Alkali metals can’t exist free in Nature.

2) 3 elements X, Y, Z with atomic Number (Z-1), Z, (Z+1) respectively, If

Y is a noble gas then
i) Find the group no of each element
 ii) Identify the element with zero electron affinity and why?
iii) Which one of the elements has highest ionization enthalpy?
Ans.
i) Since the element y is an inert gas, the element x with atomic No. (Z-1)
belong to 17th group and the elements Z with atomic no (Z+ 1) belongs
top 1st group.
ii) The element Y is an inert gas so they have a stable outer most shell
configuration so electron affinity of element Z=0
iii) Element y has a stable outermost electronic configuration (8 in the
outermost shell) it is very difficult to remove an electron from the outer
most shell. So, Ionisation Enthalpy of element Y is very high

3) Atomic number of element A is 11, and element B is 17 then,

i) Write the electronic configuration of A and B.
ii) Find the group and period of these elements.
iii) Find the molecular formula of the compound formed by the
combination of A and B.

Ans
i) A = 11 Electronic configuration – 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
B = 17 Electronic configuration – 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5

ii) The element A belongs to first group (Alkaline metals). S orbital

contains only 1 electron and element belongs to 17th group (10 + No. of
electrons in outer most shell Both elements A and it belongs to 3rd
period.
iii) Valency of the element A = 1 (8-No of electrons in outermost shell).
Valency of the element B= 1 (8-7 =1) Molecular formula of the
compound Al B1 = AB.

4) Find the molecular formula of the compound obtained by reacting the

elements magnesium and Fluorine atomic number 12 & 9 respectively.

Ans: -
Valency of Mg = 2, valency of F = 1 therefore, molecular formula of the
compound MgF2 .
5) The ionization enthalpy of Lithium is 520 kg per Mole. Calculate the
amount of energy required to convert 21 g of Lithium to unipositive ion.?
Given that at weight of Li is 7

Ans: -
Quantity of Energy required for 7g Lithium is 520.
Therefore, the quantity of energy required for 21g lithium is (520/7) x 21
= 1560 kJ

6) Write the IUPAC name of the elements with atomic number

i. 121 - Unbiunium

ii. 125 - Unbipentium

iii. 130 - Untrinilium

7) A student argued that ionization enthalpy of oxygen is greater than

Nitrogen. Do you agree it justify.?

Ans.
The above statement is not correct because 2P orbital of nitrogen
(1s22s22p3) is half filled and so is. It is more difficult to remove an electron
from the 2P orbital of nitrogen. But in oxygen the 2P orbital is highly
unstable. Due to the 2P4 configuration (O = 1s22s22p4) we can easily
remove an electron from oxygen. So, the ionization enthalpy energy of
nitrogen is greater than oxygen.

8) A student argued that ionization enthalpy of beryllium is greater than

boron? Do you agree and justify?

9) The above statement is correct because the 2S orbital of Beryllium is fully

filled and is stable (Beryllium 1s2 2s2). It is more difficult to remove an
election from the 2S orbital of Beryllium. But in boron the 2P orbit is
highly unstable due to the 2P1 configuration, we can easily remove an
electron from boron. Thus, the ionisation enthalpy of beryllium is greater
than boron.
10) The IUPAC name of the element with atomic no. 100 is

11) What are iso electronic ions? Give eg?

Ans: -
Ions having same no. of electrons are called iso electronic ions. Eg: Na+,
Mg2+, Al3+, CI-, F-

12) Which one is bigger in size? Anion/ cation why? Or Arrange the
following in the increasing order of size.Atom, Anion, Cation or CI, CI-,
Cl+

Ans.
Cation < Atom < anion

Because anion is formed by gaining of 1 or more electron by an atom,

Number of electrons increases or the effective number of nuclear charges
decreases. The nucleus attracts the outer electron not strong as that of an
atom, the atom will expand its size. So, anion is bigger than Atom. But
cation is formed by loss of one or more electron from an atom hence, the
effective number of nuclear charges increases and will attract the outer
electron more strongly than an atom. So, Cation is smaller than an atom.

13) Analyse the following graph between ionization enthalpy and

atomic number. what do you observe from the graph and justify your
answer?
 The graph shows that the Ionisation enthalpy of alkali metals decreases
with increase in atomic number because the atomic size increase from
lithium to cesium. The force of attraction between the nucleus and
outermost electron decreases.

14) The Reactivity of an element is very much related to its Ionisation

enthalpy.

i) In general Ionisation Enthalpy increases from left to right across

the period. Give the reason.

ii) Analyse the following graph identify the anomalous behaviour

and justify.

Ans: -
i) Because, across the period from left to right atomic size decreases
nuclear charge increases the force of attraction between the nucleus,
and outer most electron increases
ii) From the above graph we can write Beryllium & Nitrogen shows
anomalous behaviour. For B (1s2 2s2) the 2s2 orbit is fully filled and
stable similarly for N (1s2 2s2 2p3) the 2p3 orbital is half filled and is
more stable. Ionisation enthalpy of Beryllium is greater than boron
and Ionisation enthalpy of Nitrogen is greater than Oxygen.

15) What are merits & demerits of Mendeleev’s periodic table.?

16) What are merits & demerits of Modern periodic table?

17) The following graph represent variation of atomic number &atomic
radius of certain elements. Comment the graph.?

From the above graph we can write, atomic radius of the elements Increases
with increase in atomic number. This variation represents the variation of
atomic radius from top to bottom. when atomic number increases, nuclear
charge increases and at the same time the number of additional shells also
increases. The distance between the nucleus and outermost shell increases
or attraction between the nucleus and outermost shell decreases. So, the
atom will expand the size.

18) Noble gases are chemically inert why?

Ans:

Because of the following reasons:

i) They have a stable outer most electronic configuration

ii) Election affinity of these elements = 0

iii) The ionization enthalpy is very high.

19) Following are the general outermost electronic configuration of

certain elements?
i) ns1 ii) ns2 iii) ns2 np3 iv) ns2 np2
Find the group number of these elements in the periodic table?

i) ns1 - 1st group

 ii) ns2 - 2nd group
iii) ns2np3 - 15th group
iv) ns2np2 - 18th group

20) Define electro negativity and How it varies in modern periodic

table?

Girish’s Private Tution

Mobile:9447015114