3.5 ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS transition series of elements. This starts from OF ELEMENTS AND THE PERIODIC scandium (Z = 21) which has the electronic TABLE configuration 3d14s2. The 3d orbitals are filled In the preceding unit we have learnt that an at zinc (Z=30) with electronic configuration electron in an atom is characterised by a set 3d104s2. The fourth period ends at krypton of four quantum numbers, and the principal with the filling up of the 4p orbitals. Altogether quantum number (n ) defines the main energy we have 18 elements in this fourth period. The level known as shell. We have also studied fifth period (n = 5) beginning with rubidium about the filling of electrons into different is similar to the fourth period and contains subshells, also referred to as orbitals (s, p, the 4d transition series starting at yttrium (Z = 39). This period ends at xenon with thed, f ) in an atom. The distribution of electrons filling up of the 5p orbitals. The sixth periodinto orbitals of an atom is called its electronic configuration. An element’s location in the (n = 6) contains 32 elements and successive electrons enter 6s, 4f, 5d and 6p orbitals, inPeriodic Table reflects the quantum numbers the order — filling up of the 4f orbitals beginsof the last orbital filled. In this section we with cerium (Z = 58) and ends at lutetiumwill observe a direct connection between the (Z = 71) to give the 4f-inner transition serieselectronic configurations of the elements and which is called the lanthanoid series. Thethe long form of the Periodic Table. seventh period (n = 7) is similar to the sixth (a) Electronic Configurations in Periods period with the successive filling up of the 7s, 5f, 6d and 7p orbitals and includes mostThe period indicates the value of n for the of the man-made radioactive elements. Thisoutermost or valence shell. In other words, period will end at the element with atomicsuccessive period in the Periodic Table is number 118 which would belong to the nobleassociated with the filling of the next higher gas family. Filling up of the 5f orbitals afterprincipal energy level (n = 1, n = 2, etc.). It can 82 chemistry actinium (Z = 89) gives the 5f-inner transition a theoretical foundation for the periodic series known as the actinoid series. The 4f- classification. The elements in a vertical column and 5f-inner transition series of elements of the Periodic Table constitute a group or are placed separately in the Periodic Table family and exhibit similar chemical behaviour. to maintain its structure and to preserve the This similarity arises because these elements principle of classification by keeping elements have the same number and same distribution with similar properties in a single column. of electrons in their outermost orbitals. We can classify the elements into four blocks viz., Problem 3.2 s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block How would you justify the presence depending on the type of atomic orbitals that of 18 elements in the 5th period of the are being filled with electrons. This is illustrated Periodic Table? in Fig. 3.3. We notice two exceptions to this Solution categorisation. Strictly, helium belongs to the s-block but its positioning in the p-block When n = 5, l = 0, 1, 2, 3. The order along with other group 18 elements is in which the energy of the available justified because it has a completely filled orbitals 4d, 5s and 5p increases is 5s < 4d < 5p. The total number of orbitals valence shell (1s2) and as a result, exhibits available are 9. The maximum number properties characteristic of other noble gases. of electrons that can be accommodated The other exception is hydrogen. It has only is 18; and therefore 18 elements are one s-electron and hence can be placed in there in the 5th period. group 1 (alkali metals). It can also gain an electron to achieve a noble gas (b) Groupwise Electronic Configurations arrangement and hence it can behave similar to a group 17 (halogen family)Elements in the same vertical column or elements. Because it is a special case, wegroup have similar valence shell electronic shall place hydrogen separately at the top ofconfigurations, the same number of electrons the Periodic Table as shown in Fig. 3.2 andin the outer orbitals, and similar properties. Fig. 3.3. We will briefly discuss the salientFor example, the Group 1 elements (alkali metals) all have ns1 valence shell electronic features of the four types of elements marked in configuration as shown below. the Periodic Table. More about these elements Atomic number Symbol Electronic configuration 3 Li 1s22s1 (or) [He]2s1 11 Na 1s22s22p63s1 (or) [Ne]3s1 19 K 1s22s22p63s23p64s1 (or) [Ar]4s1 37 Rb 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p65s1 (or) [Kr]5s1 55 Cs 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p64d105s25p66s1 (or) [Xe]6s1 87 Fr [Rn]7s1 Thus it can be seen that the properties of will be discussed later. During the description an element have periodic dependence upon of their features certain terminology has been its atomic number and not on relative atomic used which has been classified in section 3.7. mass. 3.6.1 The s-Block Elements3.6 ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS A N D T Y P E S O F E L E M E N T S : The elements of Group 1 (alkali metals) and s-, p-, d-, f- BLOCKS Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) which have The aufbau (build up) principle and the ns1 and ns2 outermost electronic configuration electronic configuration of atoms provide belong to the s-Block Elements. They are all Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 83 Og Ts Mc that Nh ). METALS ( orbitalsinto the on elements of METALLOIDS based and ) Tabledivision broad ( Periodicthe theis in shown NON-METALS Also), elements of filled. types being Theare( 3.3 Fig. 84 chemistry reactive metals with low ionization enthalpies. valence (oxidation states), paramagnetism and They lose the outermost electron(s) readily to oftenly used as catalysts. However, Zn, Cd and form 1+ ion (in the case of alkali metals) or 2+ Hg which have the electronic configuration, ion (in the case of alkaline earth metals). The (n-1) d10ns2 do not show most of the properties metallic character and the reactivity increase of transition elements. In a way, transition as we go down the group. Because of high metals form a bridge between the chemically reactivity they are never found pure in nature. active metals of s-block elements and the The compounds of the s-block elements, with less active elements of Groups 13 and 14 and thus take their familiar name “Transitionthe exception of those of lithium and beryllium Elements”.are predominantly ionic. 3.6.4 The f-Block Elements3.6.2 The p-Block Elements (Inner-Transition Elements) The p-Block Elements comprise those The two rows of elements at the bottom ofbelonging to Group 13 to 18 and these the Periodic Table, called the Lanthanoids,together with the s-Block Elements are Ce(Z = 58) – Lu(Z = 71) and Actinoids,called the Representative Elements or Main Th(Z = 90) – Lr (Z = 103) are characterised by Group Elements. The outermost electronic the outer electronic configuration (n-2)f1-14 configuration varies from ns2np1 to ns2np6 (n-1)d0–1ns2. The last electron added to each in each period. At the end of each period is element is filled in f- orbital. These two series a noble gas element with a closed valence of elements are hence called the Inner- shell ns2np6 configuration. All the orbitals Transition Elements (f-Block Elements). in the valence shell of the noble gases are They are all metals. Within each series, the completely filled by electrons and it is very properties of the elements are quite similar. difficult to alter this stable arrangement by The chemistry of the early actinoids is the addition or removal of electrons. The more complicated than the corresponding lanthanoids, due to the large number ofnoble gases thus exhibit very low chemical oxidation states possible for these actinoidreactivity. Preceding the noble gas family elements. Actinoid elements are radioactive.are two chemically important groups of non- Many of the actinoid elements have been mademetals. They are the halogens (Group 17) and only in nanogram quantities or even less bythe chalcogens (Group 16). These two groups nuclear reactions and their chemistry is not of elements have highly negative electron fully studied. The elements after uranium are gain enthalpies and readily add one or two called Transuranium Elements. electrons respectively to attain the stable noble gas configuration. The non-metallic Problem 3.3 character increases as we move from left to The elements Z = 117 and 120 have not yetright across a period and metallic character been discovered. In which family/group increases as we go down the group. would you place these elements and also give the electronic configuration in3.6.3 The d-Block Elements (Transition each case. Elements) SolutionThese are the elements of Group 3 to 12 in the centre of the Periodic Table. These are We see from Fig. 3.2, that element characterised by the filling of inner d orbitals with Z = 117, would belong to the halogen family (Group 17) and theby electrons and are therefore referred to as electronic configuration would be [Rn]d-Block Elements. These elements have 5f146d107s27p5. The element with Z = 120,the general outer electronic configuration will be placed in Group 2 (alkaline earth (n-1)d1-10ns0-2 except for Pd where its electronic metals), and will have the electronic configuration is 4d105s0.. They are all metals. configuration [Uuo]8s2. They mostly form coloured ions, exhibit variable Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 85 3.6.5 Metals, Non-metals and Metalloids SolutionIn addition to displaying the classification Metallic character increases down aof elements into s-, p-, d-, and f-blocks, group and decreases along a period asFig. 3.3 shows another broad classification we move from left to right. Hence the of elements based on their properties. The order of increasing metallic character elements can be divided into Metals and is: P < Si < Be < Mg < Na. Non-Metals. Metals comprise more than 78% of all known elements and appear on 3.7 PERIODIC TRENDS IN PROPERTIES the left side of the Periodic Table. Metals are OF ELEMENTS usually solids at room temperature [mercury There are many observable patterns in theis an exception; gallium and caesium also physical and chemical properties of elements have very low melting points (303K and as we descend in a group or move across a 302K, respectively)]. Metals usually have high period in the Periodic Table. For example, melting and boiling points. They are good within a period, chemical reactivity tends to conductors of heat and electricity. They are be high in Group 1 metals, lower in elements malleable (can be flattened into thin sheets by towards the middle of the table, and increases hammering) and ductile (can be drawn into to a maximum in the Group 17 non-metals. wires). In contrast, non-metals are located at Likewise within a group of representative the top right hand side of the Periodic Table. metals (say alkali metals) reactivity increases In fact, in a horizontal row, the property of on moving down the group, whereas within a elements change from metallic on the left to group of non-metals (say halogens), reactivity non-metallic on the right. Non-metals are decreases down the group. But why do the usually solids or gases at room temperature properties of elements follow these trends? with low melting and boiling points (boron And how can we explain periodicity? To and carbon are exceptions). They are poor answer these questions, we must look into the conductors of heat and electricity. Most non- theories of atomic structure and properties metallic solids are brittle and are neither of the atom. In this section we shall discuss malleable nor ductile. The elements become the periodic trends in certain physical and more metallic as we go down a group; the chemical properties and try to explain them non-metallic character increases as one goes in terms of number of electrons and energy from left to right across the Periodic Table. levels. The change from metallic to non-metallic 3.7.1 Trends in Physical Propertiescharacter is not abrupt as shown by the thick There are numerous physical properties ofzig-zag line in Fig. 3.3. The elements (e.g., elements such as melting and boiling points,silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony and heats of fusion and vaporization, energytellurium) bordering this line and running of atomization, etc. which show periodicdiagonally across the Periodic Table show variations. However, we shall discuss theproperties that are characteristic of both periodic trends with respect to atomic andmetals and non-metals. These elements are ionic radii, ionization enthalpy, electron gaincalled Semi-metals or Metalloids. enthalpy and electronegativity. Problem 3.4 (a) Atomic Radius Considering the atomic number and You can very well imagine that finding the position in the periodic table, arrange size of an atom is a lot more complicated than the following elements in the increasing measuring the radius of a ball. Do you know order of metallic character : Si, Be, Mg, why? Firstly, because the size of an atom Na, P. (~ 1.2 Å i.e., 1.2 × 10–10 m in radius) is very 86 chemistry small. Secondly, since the electron cloud The atomic radii of a few elements are listed surrounding the atom does not have a sharp in Table 3.6. Two trends are obvious. We can boundary, the determination of the atomic explain these trends in terms of nuclear charge size cannot be precise. In other words, there and energy level. The atomic size generally is no practical way by which the size of an decreases across a period as illustrated in individual atom can be measured. However, Fig. 3.4(a) for the elements of the second an estimate of the atomic size can be made by period. It is because within the period the knowing the distance between the atoms in outer electrons are in the same valence shell the combined state. One practical approach to and the effective nuclear charge increases estimate the size of an atom of a non-metallic as the atomic number increases resulting in element is to measure the distance between the increased attraction of electrons to the two atoms when they are bound together nucleus. Within a family or vertical column by a single bond in a covalent molecule and of the periodic table, the atomic radius from this value, the “Covalent Radius” of the increases regularly with atomic number as element can be calculated. For example, the illustrated in Fig. 3.4(b). For alkali metals bond distance in the chlorine molecule (Cl2) and halogens, as we descend the groups, is 198 pm and half this distance (99 pm), is the principal quantum number (n) increases taken as the atomic radius of chlorine. For and the valence electrons are farther frommetals, we define the term “Metallic Radius” the nucleus. This happens because the innerwhich is taken as half the internuclear energy levels are filled with electrons, whichdistance separating the metal cores in the serve to shield the outer electrons from themetallic crystal. For example, the distance pull of the nucleus. Consequently the size ofbetween two adjacent copper atoms in solid the atom increases as reflected in the atomiccopper is 256 pm; hence the metallic radius radii.of copper is assigned a value of 128 pm. For simplicity, in this book, we use the term Note that the atomic radii of noble gases Atomic Radius to refer to both covalent or are not considered here. Being monoatomic, metallic radius depending on whether the their (non-bonded radii) values are very element is a non-metal or a metal. Atomic large. In fact radii of noble gases should be radii can be measured by X-ray or other compared not with the covalent radii but with spectroscopic methods. the van der Waals radii of other elements. Table 3.6(a) Atomic Radii/pm Across the Periods Atom (Period II) Li Be B C N O F Atomic radius 152 111 88 77 74 66 64 Atom (Period III) Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Atomic radius 186 160 143 117 110 104 99 Table 3.6(b) Atomic Radii/pm Down a Family Atom Atomic Atom Atomic (Group I) Radius (Group 17) Radius Li 152 F 64 Na 186 Cl 99 K 231 Br 114 Rb 244 I 133 Cs 262 At 140 Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 87 Fig. 3.4 (a) Variation of atomic radius with atomic Fig. 3.4 (b) Variation of atomic radius with number across the second period atomic number for alkali metals and halogens (b) Ionic Radius cation with the greater positive charge will have a smaller radius because of the greaterThe removal of an electron from an atom attraction of the electrons to the nucleus.results in the formation of a cation, whereas Anion with the greater negative charge willgain of an electron leads to an anion. The have the larger radius. In this case, the netionic radii can be estimated by measuring repulsion of the electrons will outweigh thethe distances between cations and anions nuclear charge and the ion will expand in size.in ionic crystals. In general, the ionic radii of elements exhibit the same trend as the Problem 3.5atomic radii. A cation is smaller than its parent atom because it has fewer electrons Which of the following species will have while its nuclear charge remains the same. the largest and the smallest size? Mg, Mg2+, Al, Al3+.The size of an anion will be larger than that of the parent atom because the addition of one Solution or more electrons would result in increased Atomic radii decrease across a period. repulsion among the electrons and a decrease Cations are smaller than their parent in effective nuclear charge. For example, the atoms. Among isoelectronic species, ionic radius of fluoride ion (F–) is 136 pm the one with the larger positive nuclear whereas the atomic radius of fluorine is only charge will have a smaller radius. 64 pm. On the other hand, the atomic radius Hence the largest species is Mg; the of sodium is 186 pm compared to the ionic smallest one is Al3+. radius of 95 pm for Na+. When we find some atoms and ions which (c) Ionization Enthalpy contain the same number of electrons, we call A quantitative measure of the tendency of them isoelectronic species*. For example, an element to lose electron is given by its O2–, F–, Na+ and Mg2+ have the same number Ionization Enthalpy. It represents the of electrons (10). Their radii would be different energy required to remove an electron from an because of their different nuclear charges. The isolated gaseous atom (X) in its ground state. * Two or more species with same number of atoms, same number of valence electrons and same structure, regardless of the nature of elements involved. 88 chemistry In other words, the first ionization enthalpy for an element X is the enthalpy change (∆i H) for the reaction depicted in equation 3.1. X(g) → X+(g) + e– (3.1) The ionization enthalpy is expressed in units of kJ mol–1. We can define the second ionization enthalpy as the energy required to remove the second most loosely bound electron; it is the energy required to carry out the reaction shown in equation 3.2. X+(g) → X2+(g) + e– (3.2) Energy is always required to remove Fig. 3.5 Variation of first ionization enthalpieselectrons from an atom and hence ionization (∆iH) with atomic number for elementsenthalpies are always positive. The second with Z = 1 to 60ionization enthalpy will be higher than the first ionization enthalpy because it is more can be correlated with their high reactivity. difficult to remove an electron from a positively In addition, you will notice two trends the charged ion than from a neutral atom. In the first ionization enthalpy generally increases same way the third ionization enthalpy will be as we go across a period and decreases higher than the second and so on. The term as we descend in a group. These trends “ionization enthalpy”, if not qualified, is taken are illustrated in Figs. 3.6(a) and 3.6(b) as the first ionization enthalpy. respectively for the elements of the second The first ionization enthalpies of elements period and the first group of the periodic having atomic numbers up to 60 are plotted table. You will appreciate that the ionization in Fig. 3.5. The periodicity of the graph is enthalpy and atomic radius are closely related quite striking. You will find maxima at the properties. To understand these trends, we noble gases which have closed electron shells have to consider two factors : (i) the attraction and very stable electron configurations. On of electrons towards the nucleus, and (ii) the the other hand, minima occur at the alkali repulsion of electrons from each other. The metals and their low ionization enthalpies effective nuclear charge experienced by a 3.6 (a) 3.6 (b) Fig. 3.6(a) First ionization enthalpies (∆iH) of elements of the second period as a function of atomic number (Z) and Fig. 3.6(b) ∆iH of alkali metals as a function of Z. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 89 valence electron in an atom will be less than the 2s electrons of beryllium. Therefore, it is the actual charge on the nucleus because of easier to remove the 2p-electron from boron “shielding” or “screening” of the valence compared to the removal of a 2s- electron from electron from the nucleus by the intervening beryllium. Thus, boron has a smaller first core electrons. For example, the 2s electron ionization enthalpy than beryllium. Another in lithium is shielded from the nucleus by “anomaly” is the smaller first ionization the inner core of 1s electrons. As a result, the enthalpy of oxygen compared to nitrogen. This valence electron experiences a net positive arises because in the nitrogen atom, three charge which is less than the actual charge 2p-electrons reside in different atomic orbitals of +3. In general, shielding is effective when (Hund’s rule) whereas in the oxygen atom, the orbitals in the inner shells are completely two of the four 2p-electrons must occupy the filled. This situation occurs in the case of same 2p-orbital resulting in an increased alkali metals which have single outermost electron-electron repulsion. Consequently, ns-electron preceded by a noble gas electronic it is easier to remove the fourth 2p-electron configuration. from oxygen than it is, to remove one of the When we move from lithium to fluorine three 2p-electrons from nitrogen. across the second period, successive electrons are added to orbitals in the same principal Problem 3.6 quantum level and the shielding of the nuclear The first ionization enthalpy (∆i H ) values charge by the inner core of electrons does of the third period elements, Na, Mg and not increase very much to compensate for Si are respectively 496, 737 and 786 kJ the increased attraction of the electron to the mol–1. Predict whether the first ∆i H value nucleus. Thus, across a period, increasing for Al will be more close to 575 or 760 kJ nuclear charge outweighs the shielding. mol–1 ? Justify your answer. Consequently, the outermost electrons are Solution held more and more tightly and the ionization It will be more close to 575 kJ mol–1.enthalpy increases across a period. As we go The value for Al should be lower thandown a group, the outermost electron being that of Mg because of effective shielding increasingly farther from the nucleus, there is of 3p electrons from the nucleus by an increased shielding of the nuclear charge 3s-electrons. by the electrons in the inner levels. In this case, increase in shielding outweighs the (d) Electron Gain Enthalpy increasing nuclear charge and the removal of When an electron is added to a neutralthe outermost electron requires less energy gaseous atom (X) to convert it into a negativedown a group. ion, the enthalpy change accompanying the From Fig. 3.6(a), you will also notice that process is defined as the Electron Gain the first ionization enthalpy of boron (Z = 5) Enthalpy (∆egH). Electron gain enthalpyis slightly less than that of beryllium (Z = 4) provides a measure of the ease with which even though the former has a greater nuclear an atom adds an electron to form anion as charge. When we consider the same principal represented by equation 3.3. quantum level, an s-electron is attracted to the X(g) + e– → X –(g) (3.3)nucleus more than a p-electron. In beryllium, the electron removed during the ionization is Depending on the element, the process an s-electron whereas the electron removed of adding an electron to the atom can be during ionization of boron is a p-electron. The either endothermic or exothermic. For many penetration of a 2s-electron to the nucleus is elements energy is released when an electron more than that of a 2p-electron; hence the 2p is added to the atom and the electron gain electron of boron is more shielded from the enthalpy is negative. For example, group nucleus by the inner core of electrons than 17 elements (the halogens) have very high 90 chemistry Table 3.7 Electron Gain Enthalpies* / (kJ mol–1) of Some Main Group Elements Group 1 ∆egH Group 16 ∆egH Group 17 ∆egH Group 0 ∆egH H – 73 He + 48 Li – 60 O – 141 F – 328 Ne + 116 Na – 53 S – 200 Cl – 349 Ar + 96 K – 48 Se – 195 Br – 325 Kr + 96 Rb – 47 Te – 190 I – 295 Xe + 77 Cs – 46 Po – 174 At – 270 Rn + 68 negative electron gain enthalpies because they can attain stable noble gas electronic Problem 3.7 configurations by picking up an electron. Which of the following will have the most On the other hand, noble gases have large negative electron gain enthalpy and positive electron gain enthalpies because the which the least negative? electron has to enter the next higher principal P, S, Cl, F. quantum level leading to a very unstable Explain your answer. electronic configuration. It may be noted that Solution electron gain enthalpies have large negative Electron gain enthalpy generallyvalues toward the upper right of the periodic becomes more negative across atable preceding the noble gases. period as we move from left to right. The variation in electron gain enthalpies of Within a group, electron gain enthalpy elements is less systematic than for ionization becomes less negative down a group. enthalpies. As a general rule, electron gain However, adding an electron to the enthalpy becomes more negative with increase 2p-orbital leads to greater repulsion in the atomic number across a period. The than adding an electron to the larger effective nuclear charge increases from left to 3p-orbital. Hence the element with right across a period and consequently it will most negative electron gain enthalpy is be easier to add an electron to a smaller atom chlorine; the one with the least negative since the added electron on an average would electron gain enthalpy is phosphorus. be closer to the positively charged nucleus. We should also expect electron gain enthalpy to (e) Electronegativity become less negative as we go down a group A qualitative measure of the ability of an atombecause the size of the atom increases and in a chemical compound to attract sharedthe added electron would be farther from the electrons to itself is called electronegativity.nucleus. This is generally the case (Table Unlike ionization enthalpy and electron gain3.7). However, electron gain enthalpy of O or enthalpy, it is not a measureable quantity.F is less negative than that of the succeeding However, a number of numerical scales ofelement. This is because when an electron is added to O or F, the added electron goes to electronegativity of elements viz., Pauling the smaller n = 2 quantum level and suffers scale, Mulliken-Jaffe scale, Allred-Rochow significant repulsion from the other electrons scale have been developed. The one which present in this level. For the n = 3 quantum is the most widely used is the Pauling scale. level (S or Cl), the added electron occupies Linus Pauling, an American scientist, in 1922 a larger region of space and the electron- assigned arbitrarily a value of 4.0 to fluorine, electron repulsion is much less. the element considered to have the greatest * In many books, the negative of the enthalpy change for the process depicted in equation 3.3 is defined as the ELECTRON AFFINITY (Ae ) of the atom under consideration. If energy is released when an electron is added to an atom, the electron affinity is taken as positive, contrary to thermodynamic convention. If energy has to be supplied to add an electron to an atom, then the electron affinity of the atom is assigned a negative sign. However, electron affinity is defined as absolute zero and, therefore at any other temperature (T) heat capacities of the reactants and the products have to be taken into account in ∆egH = –Ae – 5/2 RT. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 91 ability to attract electrons. Approximate On the same account electronegativity values values for the electronegativity of a few decrease with the increase in atomic radii elements are given in Table 3.8(a) down a group. The trend is similar to that of ionization enthalpy. The electronegativity of any given element Knowing the relationship betweenis not constant; it varies depending on the electronegativity and atomic radius, canelement to which it is bound. Though it is you now visualise the relationship betweennot a measurable quantity, it does provide a electronegativity and non-metallic properties?means of predicting the nature of force that Non-metallic elements have strong tendencyholds a pair of atoms together – a relationship that you will explore later. Electronegativity generally increases across a period from left to right (say from lithium to fluorine) and decrease down a group (say from fluorine to astatine) in the periodic table. How can these trends be explained? Can the electronegativity be related to atomic radii, which tend to decrease across each period from left to right, but increase down each group ? The attraction between the outer (or valence) electrons and the nucleus increases as the atomic radius decreases in a period. The electronegativity also increases. Fig. 3.7 The periodic trends of elements in the periodic table Table 3.8(a) Electronegativity Values (on Pauling scale) Across the Periods Atom (Period II) Li Be B C N O F Electronegativity 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 Atom (Period III) Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Electronegativity 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.5 3.0 Table 3.8(b) Electronegativity Values (on Pauling scale) Down a Family Atom Electronegativity Atom Electronegativity (Group I) Value (Group 17) Value Li 1.0 F 4.0 Na 0.9 Cl 3.0 K 0.8 Br 2.8 Rb 0.8 I 2.5 Cs 0.7 At 2.2 92 chemistry to gain electrons. Therefore, electronegativity is with outer electronic configuration 2s22p5, directly related to that non-metallic properties shares one electron with oxygen in the OF2 of elements. It can be further extended to say molecule. Being highest electronegative that the electronegativity is inversely related element, fluorine is given oxidation state to the metallic properties of elements. Thus, –1. Since there are two fluorine atoms in the increase in electronegativities across this molecule, oxygen with outer electronic a period is accompanied by an increase configuration 2s22p4 shares two electrons in non-metallic properties (or decrease in with fluorine atoms and thereby exhibits metallic properties) of elements. Similarly, the oxidation state +2. In Na2O, oxygen being decrease in electronegativity down a group is more electronegative accepts two electrons, accompanied by a decrease in non-metallic one from each of the two sodium atoms and, properties (or increase in metallic properties) thus, shows oxidation state –2. On the other of elements. hand sodium with electronic configuration All these periodic trends are summarised 3s1 loses one electron to oxygen and is given in Figure 3.7. oxidation state +1. Thus, the oxidation state of an element in a particular compound can 3.7.2 Periodic Trends in Chemical be defined as the charge acquired by its atom Properties on the basis of electronegative consideration Most of the trends in chemical properties of from other atoms in the molecule. elements, such as diagonal relationships, inert pair effect, effects of lanthanoid contraction Problem 3.8 etc. will be dealt with along the discussion Using the Periodic Table, predict the of each group in later units. In this section formulas of compounds which might we shall study the periodicity of the valence be formed by the following pairs of state shown by elements and the anomalous elements; (a) silicon and bromine properties of the second period elements (from (b) aluminium and sulphur. lithium to fluorine). Solution (a) Periodicity of Valence or Oxidation (a) Silicon is group 14 element with States a valence of 4; bromine belongs to the halogen family with a valenceThe valence is the most characteristic property of 1. Hence the formula of theof the elements and can be understood in compound formed would be SiBr4.terms of their electronic configurations. The (b) Aluminium belongs to groupvalence of representative elements is usually 13 with a valence of 3; sulphur(though not necessarily) equal to the number belongs to group 16 elements withof electrons in the outermost orbitals and/or a valence of 2. Hence, the formulaequal to eight minus the number of outermost of the compound formed would be electrons as shown below. Al2S3. Nowadays the term oxidation state is Some periodic trends observed in thefrequently used for valence. Consider the valence of elements (hydrides and oxides)two oxygen containing compounds: OF2 and are shown in Table 3.9. Other such periodicNa2O. The order of electronegativity of the trends which occur in the chemical behaviourthree elements involved in these compounds of the elements are discussed elsewhere inis F > O > Na. Each of the atoms of fluorine, Group 1 2 13 14 15 16 17 18 Number of valence 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 electron alence 1 2 3 4 3,5 2,6 1,7 0,8 Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 93 Table 3.9 Periodic Trends in Valence of Elements as shown by the Formulas of Their Compounds Group 1 2 13 14 15 16 17 Formula of LiH CaH2 B2H6 CH4 NH3 H2O HF hydride NaH AlH3 SiH4 PH3 H2S HCl KH GeH4 AsH3 H2Se HBr SnH4 H2Te HI Formula Li2O MgO B2O3 CO2 N2O3, N2O5 – of oxide Na2O CaO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O6, P4O10 SO3 Cl2 O7 SrO K2O Ga2O3 GeO2 As2O3, As2O5 SeO3 – BaO In2O3 SnO2 Sb2O3, Sb2O5 TeO3 – PbO2 Bi2O3 – – this book. There are many elements which the second element of the following group exhibit variable valence. This is particularly i.e., magnesium and aluminium, respectively. characteristic of transition elements and This sort of similarity is commonly referred actinoids, which we shall study later. to as diagonal relationship in the periodic properties. (b) Anomalous Properties of Second Period Elements What are the reasons for the different chemical behaviour of the first member ofThe first element of each of the groups 1 a group of elements in the s- and p-blocks(lithium) and 2 (beryllium) and groups 13-17 compared to that of the subsequent members(boron to fluorine) differs in many respects in the same group? The anomalous behaviourfrom the other members of their respective is attributed to their small size, large charge/group. For example, lithium unlike other radius ratio and high electronegativity of the alkali metals, and beryllium unlike other elements. In addition, the first member of alkaline earth metals, form compounds with group has only four valence orbitals (2s and pronounced covalent character; the other 2p) available for bonding, whereas the second members of these groups predominantly member of the groups have nine valence form ionic compounds. In fact the behaviour orbitals (3s, 3p, 3d). As a consequence of of lithium and beryllium is more similar with this, the maximum covalency of the first member of each group is 4 (e.g., boron Property Element can only form  BF4 , whereas the other members of the groups can expand their Metallic radius M/pm Li Be B valence shell to accommodate more than 152 111 88 four pairs of electrons e.g., aluminium forms). Furthermore, the first Na Mg Al  AlF6 3  186 160 143 member of p-block elements displays greater ability to form pπ – pπ multiple Ionic radius M+/pm Li Be bonds to itself (e.g., C = C, C ≡ C, 76 31 N = N, N ≡ Ν) and to other second period Na Mg elements (e.g., C = O, C = N, C ≡ N, 102 72 N = O) compared to subsequent members of the same group. 94 chemistry here it can be directly related to the metallic Problem 3.9 and non-metallic character of elements. Thus, Are the oxidation state and covalency of the metallic character of an element, which Al in [AlCl(H2O)5]2+ same ? is highest at the extremely left decreases and Solution the non-metallic character increases while moving from left to right across the period. No. The oxidation state of Al is +3 and the covalency is 6. The chemical reactivity of an element can be best shown by its reactions with oxygen and 3.7.3 Periodic Trends and Chemical halogens. Here, we shall consider the reaction Reactivity of the elements with oxygen only. Elements on two extremes of a period easily combineWe have observed the periodic trends in with oxygen to form oxides. The normal oxidecertain fundamental properties such as formed by the element on extreme left is theatomic and ionic radii, ionization enthalpy, most basic (e.g., Na2O), whereas that formedelectron gain enthalpy and valence. We know by now that the periodicity is related to by the element on extreme right is the most electronic configuration. That is, all chemical acidic (e.g., Cl2O7). Oxides of elements in the and physical properties are a manifestation of centre are amphoteric (e.g., Al2O3, As2O3) or the electronic configuration of elements. We neutral (e.g., CO, NO, N2O). Amphoteric oxides shall now try to explore relationships between behave as acidic with bases and as basic with these fundamental properties of elements with acids, whereas neutral oxides have no acidic their chemical reactivity. or basic properties. The atomic and ionic radii, as we know, Problem 3.10generally decrease in a period from left to right. As a consequence, the ionization enthalpies Show by a chemical reaction with water that Na2O is a basic oxide and Cl2O7 isgenerally increase (with some exceptions as an acidic oxide.outlined in section 3.7.1(a)) and electron gain enthalpies become more negative across a Solution period. In other words, the ionization enthalpy Na2O with water forms a strong base of the extreme left element in a period is the whereas Cl2O7 forms strong acid. least and the electron gain enthalpy of the Na2O + H2O → 2NaOH element on the extreme right is the highest Cl2O7 + H2O → 2HClO4 negative (note : noble gases having completely Their basic or acidic nature can befilled shells have rather positive electron qualitatively tested with litmus paper.gain enthalpy values). This results into high chemical reactivity at the two extremes and the lowest in the centre. Thus, the maximum Among transition metals (3d series), the chemical reactivity at the extreme left (among change in atomic radii is much smaller as alkali metals) is exhibited by the loss of an compared to those of representative elements electron leading to the formation of a cation across the period. The change in atomic radii and at the extreme right (among halogens) is still smaller among inner-transition metals shown by the gain of an electron forming (4f series). The ionization enthalpies are an anion. This property can be related with intermediate between those of s- and p-blocks. the reducing and oxidizing behaviour of the As a consequence, they are less electropositive elements which you will learn later. However, than group 1 and 2 metals. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 95 In a group, the increase in atomic and increases down the group and non-metallic ionic radii with increase in atomic number character decreases. This trend can be related generally results in a gradual decrease in with their reducing and oxidizing property ionization enthalpies and a regular decrease which you will learn later. In the case of (with exception in some third period elements transition elements, however, a reverse trend as shown in section 3.7.1(d)) in electron is observed. This can be explained in terms of gain enthalpies in the case of main group atomic size and ionization enthalpy. elements. Thus, the metallic character SUMMARY In this Unit, you have studied the development of the Periodic Law and the Periodic Table. Mendeleev’s Periodic Table was based on atomic masses. Modern Periodic Table arranges the elements in the order of their atomic numbers in seven horizontal rows (periods) and eighteen vertical columns (groups or families). Atomic numbers in a period are consecutive, whereas in a group they increase in a pattern. Elements of the same group have similar valence shell electronic configuration and, therefore, exhibit similar chemical properties. However, the elements of the same period have incrementally increasing number of electrons from left to right, and, therefore, have different valencies. Four types of elements can be recognized in the periodic table on the basis of their electronic configurations. These are s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block elements. Hydrogen with one electron in the 1s orbital occupies a unique position in the periodic table. Metals comprise more than seventy eight per cent of the known elements. Non-metals, which are located at the top of the periodic table, are less than twenty in number. Elements which lie at the border line between metals and non-metals (e.g., Si, Ge, As) are called metalloids or semi-metals. Metallic character increases with increasing atomic number in a group whereas decreases from left to right in a period. The physical and chemical properties of elements vary periodically with their atomic numbers. Periodic trends are observed in atomic sizes, ionization enthalpies, electron gain enthalpies, electronegativity and valence. The atomic radii decrease while going from left to right in a period and increase with atomic number in a group. Ionization enthalpies generally increase across a period and decrease down a group. Electronegativity also shows a similar trend. Electron gain enthalpies, in general, become more negative across a period and less negative down a group. There is some periodicity in valence, for example, among representative elements, the valence is either equal to the number of electrons in the outermost orbitals or eight minus this number. Chemical reactivity is highest at the two extremes of a period and is lowest in the centre. The reactivity on the left extreme of a period is because of the ease of electron loss (or low ionization enthalpy). Highly reactive elements do not occur in nature in free state; they usually occur in the combined form. Oxides formed of the elements on the left are basic and of the elements on the right are acidic in nature. Oxides of elements in the centre are amphoteric or neutral. 96 chemistry Exercises 3.1 What is the basic theme of organisation in the periodic table? 3.2 Which important property did Mendeleev use to classify the elements in his periodic table and did he stick to that? 3.3 What is the basic difference in approach between the Mendeleev’s Periodic Law and the Modern Periodic Law? 3.4 On the basis of quantum numbers, justify that the sixth period of the periodic table should have 32 elements. 3.5 In terms of period and group where would you locate the element with Z =114? 3.6 Write the atomic number of the element present in the third period and seventeenth group of the periodic table. 3.7 Which element do you think would have been named by (i) Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (ii) Seaborg’s group? 3.8 Why do elements in the same group have similar physical and chemical properties? 3.9 What does atomic radius and ionic radius really mean to you? 3.10 How do atomic radius vary in a period and in a group? How do you explain the variation? 3.11 What do you understand by isoelectronic species? Name a species that will be isoelectronic with each of the following atoms or ions. (i) F– (ii) Ar (iii) Mg2+ (iv) Rb+ 3.12 Consider the following species : N3–, O2–, F–, Na+, Mg2+ and Al3+ (a) What is common in them? (b) Arrange them in the order of increasing ionic radii. 3.13 Explain why cation are smaller and anions larger in radii than their parent atoms? 3.14 What is the significance of the terms — ‘isolated gaseous atom’ and ‘ground state’ while defining the ionization enthalpy and electron gain enthalpy? Hint : Requirements for comparison purposes. 3.15 Energy of an electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom is –2.18×10–18J. Calculate the ionization enthalpy of atomic hydrogen in terms of J mol–1. Hint: Apply the idea of mole concept to derive the answer. 3.16 Among the second period elements the actual ionization enthalpies are in the order Li < B < Be < C < O < N < F < Ne. Explain why (i) Be has higher ∆i H than B (ii) O has lower ∆i H than N and F? Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 97 3.17 How would you explain the fact that the first ionization enthalpy of sodium is lower than that of magnesium but its second ionization enthalpy is higher than that of magnesium? 3.18 What are the various factors due to which the ionization enthalpy of the main group elements tends to decrease down a group? 3.19 The first ionization enthalpy values (in kJ mol–1) of group 13 elements are : B Al Ga In Tl 801 577 579 558 589 How would you explain this deviation from the general trend ? 3.20 Which of the following pairs of elements would have a more negative electron gain enthalpy? (i) O or F (ii) F or Cl 3.21 Would you expect the second electron gain enthalpy of O as positive, more negative or less negative than the first? Justify your answer. 3.22 What is the basic difference between the terms electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity? 3.23 How would you react to the statement that the electronegativity of N on Pauling scale is 3.0 in all the nitrogen compounds? 3.24 Describe the theory associated with the radius of an atom as it (a) gains an electron (b) loses an electron 3.25 Would you expect the first ionization enthalpies for two isotopes of the same element to be the same or different? Justify your answer. 3.26 What are the major differences between metals and non-metals? 3.27 Use the periodic table to answer the following questions. (a) Identify an element with five electrons in the outer subshell. (b) Identify an element that would tend to lose two electrons. (c) Identify an element that would tend to gain two electrons. (d) Identify the group having metal, non-metal, liquid as well as gas at the room temperature. 3.28 The increasing order of reactivity among group 1 elements is Li < Na < K < Rb <Cs whereas that among group 17 elements is F > CI > Br > I. Explain. 3.29 Write the general outer electronic configuration of s-, p-, d- and f- block elements. 3.30 Assign the position of the element having outer electronic configuration (i) ns2np4 for n=3 (ii) (n-1)d2ns2 for n=4, and (iii) (n-2) f 7 (n-1)d1ns2 for n=6, in the periodic table. 98 chemistry 3.31 The first (∆iH1) and the second (∆iH2) ionization enthalpies (in kJ mol–1) and the (∆egH) electron gain enthalpy (in kJ mol–1) of a few elements are given below: Elements ∆H1 ∆H2 ∆egH I 520 7300 –60 II 419 3051 –48 III 1681 3374 –328 IV 1008 1846 –295 V 2372 5251 +48 VI 738 1451 –40 Which of the above elements is likely to be : (a) the least reactive element. (b) the most reactive metal. (c) the most reactive non-metal. (d) the least reactive non-metal. (e) the metal which can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2(X=halogen). (f) the metal which can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X=halogen)? 3.32 Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements. (a) Lithium and oxygen (b) Magnesium and nitrogen (c) Aluminium and iodine (d) Silicon and oxygen (e) Phosphorus and fluorine (f) Element 71 and fluorine 3.33 In the modern periodic table, the period indicates the value of : (a) atomic number (b) atomic mass (c) principal quantum number (d) azimuthal quantum number. 3.34 Which of the following statements related to the modern periodic table is incorrect? (a) The p-block has 6 columns, because a maximum of 6 electrons can occupy all the orbitals in a p-shell. (b) The d-block has 8 columns, because a maximum of 8 electrons can occupy all the orbitals in a d-subshell. (c) Each block contains a number of columns equal to the number of electrons that can occupy that subshell. (d) The block indicates value of azimuthal quantum number (l) for the last subshell that received electrons in building up the electronic configuration. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties 99 3.35 Anything that influences the valence electrons will affect the chemistry of the element. Which one of the following factors does not affect the valence shell? (a) Valence principal quantum number (n) (b) Nuclear charge (Z ) (c) Nuclear mass (d) Number of core electrons. 3.36 The size of isoelectronic species — F–, Ne and Na+ is affected by (a) nuclear charge (Z ) (b) valence principal quantum number (n) (c) electron-electron interaction in the outer orbitals (d) none of the factors because their size is the same. 3.37 Which one of the following statements is incorrect in relation to ionization enthalpy? (a) Ionization enthalpy increases for each successive electron. (b) The greatest increase in ionization enthalpy is experienced on removal of electron from core noble gas configuration. (c) End of valence electrons is marked by a big jump in ionization enthalpy. (d) Removal of electron from orbitals bearing lower n value is easier than from orbital having higher n value. 3.38 Considering the elements B, Al, Mg, and K, the correct order of their metallic character is : (a) B > Al > Mg > K (b) Al > Mg > B > K (c) Mg > Al > K > B (d) K > Mg > Al > B 3.39 Considering the elements B, C, N, F, and Si, the correct order of their non-metallic character is : (a) B > C > Si > N > F (b) Si > C > B > N > F (c) F > N > C > B > Si (d) F > N > C > Si > B 3.40 Considering the elements F, Cl, O and N, the correct order of their chemical reactivity in terms of oxidizing property is : (a) F > Cl > O > N (b) F > O > Cl > N (c) Cl > F > O > N (d) O > F > N > Cl Unit 4 CHEMICAL BONDING AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE Scientists are constantly discovering new compounds, orderly arranging the facts about them, trying to explain with the existing knowledge, organising to modify the earlier views or evolve theories for explaining the newly After studying this Unit, you will be observed facts. able to • understand Kössel-Lewis approach to chemical bonding; • explain the octet rule and its Matter is made up of one or different type of elements. limitations, draw Lewis structures Under normal conditions no other element exists as an of simple molecules; independent atom in nature, except noble gases. However, • explain the formation of different a group of atoms is found to exist together as one species types of bonds; having characteristic properties. Such a group of atoms is called a molecule. Obviously there must be some force • describe the VSEPR theory and which holds these constituent atoms together in the predict the geometry of simple molecules. The attractive force which holds various molecules; constituents (atoms, ions, etc.) together in different • explain the valence bond chemical species is called a chemical bond. Since the approach for the formation of formation of chemical compounds takes place as a result of covalent bonds; combination of atoms of various elements in different ways, • predict the directional properties it raises many questions. Why do atoms combine? Why are of covalent bonds; only certain combinations possible? Why do some atoms combine while certain others do not? Why do molecules• explain the different types of hybridisation involving s, p and possess definite shapes? To answer such questions different d orbitals and draw shapes of theories and concepts have been put forward from time simple covalent molecules; to time. These are Kössel-Lewis approach, Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory, Valence Bond (VB)• describe the molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic Theory and Molecular Orbital (MO) Theory. The evolution molecules; of various theories of valence and the interpretation of the nature of chemical bonds have closely been related to • explain the concept of hydrogen the developments in the understanding of the structure bond. of atom, the electronic configuration of elements and the periodic table. Every system tends to be more stable and bonding is nature’s way of lowering the energy of the system to attain stability. Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 101

1.3 SIGNIFICANT FIGURES figures in a measurement. This important remark makes most of the followingAs discussed above, every measurement observations clear:involves errors. Thus, the result of (1) For example, the length 2.308 cm has fourmeasurement should be reported in a way that significant figures. But in different units, theindicates the precision of measurement. same value can be written as 0.02308 m or 23.08Normally, the reported result of measurement is a number that includes all digits in the mm or 23080 µm. number that are known reliably plus the first All these numbers have the same number of digit that is u Reprint 2025-26 4 PHYSICS This shows that the location of decimal point is negative exponent (or power) of 10. In order to of no consequence in determining the number get an approximate idea of the number, we may of significant figures. round off the number a to 1 (for a ≤5) and to 10 The example gives the following rules : (for 5<a ≤10). Then the number can be • All the non-zero digits are significant. expressed approximately as 10b in which the • All the zeros between two non-zero digits exponent (or power) b of 10 is called order of magnitude of the physical quantity. When only are significant, no matter where the an estimate is required, the quantity is of the decimal point is, if at all. order of 10b. For example, the diameter of the • If the number is less than 1, the zero(s) earth (1.28×107m) is of the order of 107m with on the right of decimal point but to the the order of magnitude 7. The diameter of left of the first non-zero digit are not hydrogen atom (1.06 ×10–10m) is of the order of significant. [In 0.00 2308, the underlined 10–10m, with the order of magnitude zeroes are not significant]. –10. Thus, the diameter of the earth is 17 orders • The terminal or trailing zero(s) in a of magnitude larger than the hydrogen atom. It is often customary to write the decimal after number without a decimal point are not the first digit. Now the confusion mentioned in significant. (a) above disappears : [Thus 123 m = 12300 cm = 123000 mm has 4.700 m = 4.700 × 102 cm three significant figures, the trailing zero(s) = 4.700 × 103 mm = 4.700 × 10–3 km being not significant.] However, you can also The power of 10 is irrelevant to the see the next observation. determination of significant figures. However, all • The trailing zero(s) in a number with a zeroes appearing in the base number in the decimal point are significant. scientific notation are significant. Each number [The numbers 3.500 or 0.06900 have four in this case has four significant figures. significant figures each.] Thus, in the scientific notation, no confusion (2) There can be some confusion regarding the arises about the trailing zero(s) in the base trailing zero(s). Suppose a length is reported to number a. They are always significant. be 4.700 m. It is evident that the zeroes here (4) The scientific notation is ideal for reporting are meant to convey the precision of measurement. But if this is not adopted, we use measurement and are, therefore, significant. [If the rules adopted in the preceding example : these were not, it would be superfluous to write • For a number greater than 1, without anythem explicitly, the reported measurement decimal, the trailing zero(s) are notwould have been simply 4.7 m]. Now suppose we change units, then significant. • For a number with a decimal, the trailing4.700 m = 470.0 cm = 4700 mm = 0.004700 km zero(s) are significant. Since the last number has trailing zero(s) in a number with no decimal, we would conclude (5) The digit 0 conventionally put on the left of a erroneously from observation (1) above that the decimal for a number less than 1 (like 0.1250) number has two significant figures, while in is never significant. However, the zeroes at the fact, it has four significant figures and a mere end of such number are significant in a change of units cannot change the number of measurement. significant figures. (6) The multiplying or dividing factors which are (3) To remove such ambiguities in neither rounded numbers nor numbers determining the number of significant representing measured values are exact and figures, the best way is to report every have infinite number of significant digits. For measurement in scientific notation (in the dpower of 10). In this notation, every number is example in r = or s = 2πr, the factor 2 is an expressed as a × 10b, where a is a number 2 between 1 and 10, and b is any positive or exact number and it can be written as 2.0, 2.00 Reprint 2025-26 UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 5 decimal place. The final result should, therefore, t or 2.0000 as required. Similarly, in T = , n is be rounded off to 663.8 g. n Similarly, the difference in length can be an exact number. expressed as : 1.3.1 Rules for Arithmetic Operations with 0.307 m – 0.304 m = 0.003 m = 3 ×10–3 m. Significant Figures Note that we should not use the rule (1) applicable The result of a calculation involving approximate for multiplication and division and write 664 g as measured values of quantities (i.e. values with the result in the example of addition and limited number of significant figures) must 3.00 × 10–3 m in the example of subtraction. They reflect the umeasured values. It cannot be more accurate properly. For addition and subtraction, the rule than the original measured values themselves is in terms of decimal places. on which the result is based. In general, the final result should not have more significant 1.3.2 Rounding off the Ufigures than the original data from which it was The result of computation with approximate obtained. Thus, if mass of an object is measured numbers, which contain more than one to be, say, 4.237 g (four significant figures) and uits volume is measured to be 2.51 cm3, then its for rounding off numbers to the appropriate density, by mere arithmetic division, is significant figures are obvious in most cases. A 1.68804780876 g/cm3 upto 11 decimal places. number 2.746 rounded off to three significant It would be clearly absurd and irrelevant to figures is 2.75, while the number 1.743 would record the calculated value of density to such a be 1.74. The rule by convention is that the precision when the measurements on which the preceding digit is raised by 1 if the value is based, have much less precision. The insignificant digit to be dropped (the following rules for arithmetic operations with underlined digit in this case) is more than significant figures ensure that the final result 5, and is left unchanged if the latter is less of a calculation is shown with the precision that than 5. But what if the number is 2.745 in is consistent with the precision of the input which the insignificant digit is 5. Here, themeasured values : convention is that if the preceding digit is(1) In multiplication or division, the final even, the insignificant digit is simplyresult should retain as many significant dropped and, if it is odd, the preceding digitfigures as are there in the original number with the least significant figures. is raised by 1. Then, the number 2.745 rounded Thus, in the example above, density should off to three significant figures becomes 1.74. On be reported to three significant figures. the other hand, the number 2.735 rounded off to three significant figures becomes 1.74 since 4.237g -3 Density = = 1.69 g cm the preceding digit is odd. 3 2.51 cm In any involved or complex multi-step Similarly, if the speed of light is given as calculation, you should retain, in intermediate 3.00 × 108 m s-1 (three significant figure) and steps, one digit more than the significant digits one year (1y = 365.25 d) has 3.1557 × 107 s (five and round off to proper significant figures at the significant figures), the light year is 9.47 × 1015 m end of the calculation. Similarly, a number (three significant figures). known to be within many significant figures, such as in 2.99792458 × 108 m/s for the speed (2) In addition or subtraction, the final result of light in vacuum, is rounded off to anshould retain as many decimal places as are approximate value 3 × 108 m/s , which is oftenthere in the number with the least employed in computations. Finally, rememberdecimal places. that exact numbers that appear in formulae like For example, the sum of the numbers 436.32 g, 227.2 g and 0.301 g by mere arithmetic L addition, is 663.821 g. But the least precise 2 π in T = 2π , have a large (infinite) number measurement (227.2 g) is correct to only one g Reprint 2025-26 6 PHYSICS of significant figures. The value of π = = 16.2 cm ± 0.6 %. 3.1415926.... is known to a large number of significant figures. You may take the value as Similarly, the breadth b may be written as 3.142 or 3.14 for π, with limited number of b = 10.1 ± 0.1 cm significant figures as required in specific = 10.1 cm ± 1 % cases. Then, the error of the product of two (or more)⊳ Example 1.1 Each side of a cube is experimental values, using the combination of measured to be 7.203 m. What are the errors rule, will be total surface area and the volume of the l b = 163.62 cm2 + 1.6% cube to appropriate significant figures? = 163.62 + 2.6 cm2 Answer The number of significant figures in the measured length is 4. The calculated area This leads us to quote the final result as and the volume should therefore be rounded off l b = 164 + 3 cm2 to 4 significant figures. Here 3 cm2 is the uSurface area of the cube = 6(7.203)2 m2 estimation of area of rectangular sheet. = 311.299254 m2 (2) If a set of experimental data is specified = 311.3 m2 to n significant figures, a result obtained by combining the data will also be valid to n Volume of the cube = (7.203)3 m3 significant figures. = 373.714754 m3 However, if data are subtracted, the number of = 373.7 m3 ⊳ significant figures can be reduced. ⊳ Example 1.2 5.74 g of a substance For example, 12.9 g – 7.06 g, both specified to occupies 1.2 cm3. Express its density by three significant figures, cannot properly be keeping the significant figures in view. evaluated as 5.84 g but only as 5.8 g, as u in a different fashion (smallest number ofmeasured mass whereas there are only 2 decimal places rather than the number of significant figures in the measured volume. significant figures in any of the number added Hence the density should be expressed to only or subtracted). 2 significant figures. (3) The relative error of a value of number 5.74 −3 specified to significant figures depends not Density = g cm 1.2 only on n but also on the number itself. = 4.8 g cm--3 . ⊳ For example, the accuracy in measurement of mass 1.02 g is ± 0.01 g whereas another 1.3.3 Rules for Determining the U in the Results of Arithmetic The relative error in 1.02 g is Calculations = (± 0.01/1.02) × 100 % = ± 1%The rules for determining the u Similarly, the relative error in 9.89 g iserror in the number/measured quantity in = (± 0.01/9.89) × 100 %arithmetic operations can be understood from = ± 0.1 %the following examples. Finally, remember that intermediate results in(1) If the length and breadth of a thin rectangular sheet are measured, using a metre a multi-step computation should be scale as 16.2 cm and, 10.1 cm respectively, there calculated to one more significant figure in are three significant figures in each every measurement than the number of measurement. It means that the length l may digits in the least precise measurement. be written as These should be justified by the data and then l = 16.2 ± 0.1 cm the arithmetic operations may be carried out; Reprint 2025-26 UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 7 otherwise rounding errors can build up. For mass, one dimension in length, and –2 example, the reciprocal of 9.58, calculated (after dimensions in time. The dimensions in all other rounding off) to the same number of significant base quantities are zero. figures (three) is 0.104, but the reciprocal of Note that in this type of representation, the magnitudes are not considered. It is the quality0.104 calculated to three significant figures is of the type of the physical quantity that enters. 9.62. However, if we had written 1/9.58 = 0.1044 Thus, a change in velocity, initial velocity, and then taken the reciprocal to three significant average velocity, final velocity, and speed are figures, we would have retrieved the original all equivalent in this context. Since all these value of 9.58. quantities can be expressed as length/time, This example justifies the idea to retain one their dimensions are [L]/[T] or [L T–1]. more extra digit (than the number of digits in the least precise measurement) in intermediate 1.5 DIMENSIONAL FORMULAE AND steps of the complex multi-step calculations in DIMENSIONAL EQUATIONS order to avoid additional errors in the process The expression which shows how and which of of rounding off the numbers. the base quantities represent the dimensions of a physical quantity is called the dimensional

3.10 In a reaction between A and B, the initial rate of reaction (r0) was measured for different initial concentrations of A and B as given below: A/ mol L–1 0.20 0.20 0.40 B/ mol L–1 0.30 0.10 0.05 r0/mol L–1s–1 5.07 × 10–5 5.07 × 10–5 1.43 × 10–4 What is the order of the reaction with respect to A and B? 3.11 The following results have been obtained during the kinetic studies of the reaction: 2A + B ® C + D Experiment [A]/mol L–1 [B]/mol L–1 Initial rate of formation of D/mol L–1 min–1 I 0.1 0.1 6.0 × 10–3 II 0.3 0.2 7.2 × 10–2 III 0.3 0.4 2.88 × 10–1 IV 0.4 0.1 2.40 × 10–2 Determine the rate law and the rate constant for the reaction. 3.12 The reaction between A and B is first order with respect to A and zero order with respect to B. Fill in the blanks in the following table: Experiment [A]/ mol L–1 [B]/ mol L–1 Initial rate/ mol L–1 min–1 I 0.1 0.1 2.0 × 10–2 II – 0.2 4.0 × 10–2 III 0.4 0.4 – IV – 0.2 2.0 × 10–2 3.13 Calculate the half-life of a first order reaction from their rate constants given below: (i) 200 s–1 (ii) 2 min–1 (iii) 4 years–1 3.14 The half-life for radioactive decay of 14C is 5730 years. An archaeological artifact containing wood had only 80% of the 14C found in a living tree. Estimate the age of the sample. 3.15 The experimental data for decomposition of N2O5 [2N2O5 ® 4NO2 + O2] in gas phase at 318K are given below: t/s 0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400 2800 3200 102 × [N2O5]/ 1.63 1.36 1.14 0.93 0.78 0.64 0.53 0.43 0.35 mol L–1 (i) Plot [N2O5] against t. (ii) Find the half-life period for the reaction. (iii) Draw a graph between log[N2O5] and t. (iv) What is the rate law ? Chemistry 86 Reprint 2025-26 (v) Calculate the rate constant. (vi) Calculate the half-life period from k and compare it with (ii).