Introduction to P Block Elements - Introduction, Properties & Applications, FAQs

Introduction to P Block Elements - Introduction, Properties & Applications, FAQs

Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:35 PM IST

Introduction to p-Block Elements

The last electron in a p block element occupies one of three p-orbitals of the corresponding orbits. There are six groups of p-block elements because a p-subshell has three degenerate p-orbitals that can accommodate two electrons. Due to their tendency to lose one electron, p-block elements are lustrous and usually good conductors of electricity and heat. In a p-block element like gallium, you'll find several astonishing properties of elements. Silicon is also a key component of glass, making it one of the most important metalloids in the p-block group.

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What are Introduction to p-Block Elements?

The element in which the last electron enters the outermost p-subshell is known as a p-block element. In the periodic table, the p block begins with the 13th group and ends with the 18th group.

 The Periodic Table

Some metals, non-metals, and metalloids are among these elements. Normal or representative elements are made up of s-block and p-block components (except zero group elements). Each period of the periodic table concludes with a noble gas with a closed shell ns2np6 structure, which is a member of the zero group (18th group). There are two chemically significant non-metal groups before the noble gas group.

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The periodic table blocks:

The elements in the periodic table are divided into blocks based on their valence electron orbitals. Four blocks of the periodic table are S-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block. If a new element is detected, it will be added to the g-block. Each block denotes the electron sublevel that is currently being filled.

The main group (s- and p-blocks), transition metal (d-block), and inner transition metal (f-block) elements are all based on the four periodic table blocks.

The s-block:

  • Except for helium, the s-block elements are on the periodic table's left side.

  • All of the s-block elements are metals, with the exception of helium (and possibly hydrogen). Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals make up the s-block.

  • Soft solids with low melting points are common for S-block elements.

  • All s-block elements are electropositive and reactive, with the exception of helium.

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The p-block:

  • The p-block elements are found on the periodic table's right side. They are the table's final six element groups (except for helium).

  • All nonmetals (excluding hydrogen and helium), metalloids, and post-transition metals are classified as P-block elements.

  • The valence electrons of P-block elements can be gained, lost, or shared.

  • Covalent compounds are formed by the majority of p-block components.

The d-block:

  • D-block elements constitutes the transition metals (groups 3-12).

  • The properties of D-block elements are similar to those of highly reactive electropositive s-block elements and more electronegative p-block elements. It is for this reason that they are referred to as "transition" metals.

  • All of these elements are metals that have two or more oxidation states.

  • The melting and boiling points of D-block elements are usually quite high.

The f-block:

  • Lanthanides and actinides comprises f-block elements, or inner transition metals. They are the two rows of elements below the periodic table's main body.

  • The oxidation states of F-block elements are varied.

  • The melting values of most f-block elements are extremely high.

  • Colored complexes and salts are generated by these elements, but they are paler than those formed by d-block elements.

Properties of Introduction to p-Block Elements:

The last electron of the p-block components reaches the p-subshell of the outermost shell.

  • The np subshell eventually fills up in these elements. From ns2 np1 to ns2 np6, the valence shell configuration evolves.

  • The electrical configuration of the introduction to p-block elements is ns2np1-6 in general (Except Helium).

  • The number of electrons in the p-block element's penultimate shell is either 2 or 8 or 18.

  • p-block elements, with the exception of F and inert gases, have a range of oxidation states ranging from +n to (n- 8), where n is the number of electrons in the outermost shell.

  • Higher members of the p-block can show electrovalency, but the p-block parts in general show covalency. Electrovalency is demonstrated by highly electronegative elements like halogens F, Cl, and others absorbing electrons and producing anions. Some of the components.

  • There is a consistent rise in non-metallic nature from left to right. Non-metallic character, on the other hand, decreases from top to bottom in the groups.

  • In a period, ionisation energies increase from left to right, while in a group, they drop from top to bottom. Due to half-filled and fully-filled ionisation energies, members of groups VA and zero have very high values.

  • Reducing nature declines from left to right in every cycle, whereas oxidising nature grows. From top to bottom, reducing nature grows in a group. Halogens are powerful oxidizers.

  • Acidic oxides are formed by the majority of the p-block elements.

  • The flame is not coloured by any member of the p-block series or the salts.

  • The phenomena of allotropy can be seen in a variety of p-block series elements. This feature can be found in carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, boron, germanium, tin, arsenic, and other elements.

  • Many elements in the p-block series, including as carbon, silicon, germanium, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur, exhibit the catenation feature.

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Applications of Introduction to the p-block elements:

  • Borax, a boron-based chemical, is used in the glass and pottery industries.

  • Boron is also utilised in soap and detergent manufacturing.

  • Boron is utilised in bullet-proof jackets and aircraft.

  • Boron is added to steel to make it harder.

  • Aluminum is utilised in kitchenware, coils, wires, iron and zinc protection, and wrapping foils. It can also be used as a reducing agent.

  • Semiconductors include germanium, arsenic, silicon, and gallium.

  • Iodine tincture contains iodine.

  • Disinfectants contain chlorine.

  • Carbon and its compounds are employed in a variety of applications.

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