NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7: Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
The class 12 chemistry chapter 7 questions and answers are given below that will help you tackle complex problems. Students can follow p-block elements notes to learn the concepts in detail. The questions below will help you evaluate your understanding of the concepts.
Question 1. When a salt is treated with a sodium hydroxide solution, it gives gas X. On passing gas X through reagent Y, a brown-colored precipitate is formed. X and Y, respectively, are
1) $\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{NH}_3$ and $\mathrm{Y}=\mathrm{HgO}$
2) $\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{NH}_3$ and $\mathrm{Y}=\mathrm{K}_2 \mathrm{HgI}_4+\mathrm{KOH}$
3) $\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{NH}_4 \mathrm{Cl}$ and $\mathrm{Y}=\mathrm{KOH}$
4) $\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{HCl}$ and $\mathrm{Y}=\mathrm{NH}_4 \mathrm{Cl}$
Answer:
$\mathrm{NH}_4^{+}+\mathrm{NaOH} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}+\mathrm{NH}_3 \uparrow$

$\mathrm{NH}_3$ is identify by $\mathrm{K}_2\left[\mathrm{HgI}_4\right]+\mathrm{KOH}$
Hence, the correct answer is option (2).
Question 2. Evaluate the following statements related to group 14 elements for their correctness.
(A)Covalent radius decreases down the group from $\mathrm{C}$ to $\mathrm{Pb}$ in a regular manner.
(B) Electronegativity decreases from $\mathrm{C}$ to $\mathrm{Pb}$ down the group gradually.
(C) Maximum covalence of $\mathrm{C}$ is 4 whereas other elements can expand their covalence due to the presence of d orbitals.
(D) Heavier elements do not form $\mathrm{p} \pi-\mathrm{p} \pi$ bonds.
(E) Carbon can exhibit negative oxidation states.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1) (C), (D) and (E) Only
2) (A) and (B) Only
3) (A), (B) and (C) Only
4) (C) and (D) Only
Answer:
(A) Down the group; the radius increases
(B) Electronegativity does not decrease gradually from $\mathrm{C}$ to $\mathrm{Pb}$.
(C) Correct.
(D) Correct.
(E) Range of oxidation state of carbon: -4 to +4
Hence, the correct answer is option (1).
Question 3. The species that do not contain perodxie ions is:
(1) PbO2
(2) H2O2
(3) SrO2
(4) BaO2
Answer:
All members, when heated with oxygen, form oxides. There are mainly two types of oxides, i.e., monoxide and dioxide of formula MO and MO2, respectively. SiO only exists at high temperatures. Oxides in higher oxidation states of elements are generally more acidic than those in lower oxidation states. The dioxides - CO2, SiO2, and GeO2 are acidic, whereas SnO2 and PbO2 are amphoteric in nature. Among monoxides, CO is neutral, GeO is distinctly acidic, whereas SnO and PbO are amphoteric.
In PbO2 , Pb is in +4 oxidation state and oxygen is in the -2 oxidation State. In all other cases, the peroxide ion ($O_{2}^{2-}$) is present.
Hence, the correct answer is option (1).
Approach to Solve Questions of Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 7
To effectively solve questions of the chapter "P-Block Element", a systematic and structured approach that helps understand the concepts and the theories is given below:
1. Focus on Key Concepts
Each group has similar themes. Focus on:
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Electronic configuration
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Oxidation states and variable valency
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Trends in physical and chemical properties (electronegativity, metallic character, ionization enthalpy)
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Important compounds (e.g., NH3, HNO3, SO2, H2SO4, PCl5, etc.)
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Anomalous behaviour of the first element (like N or O)
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Trends down the group (acidic/basic nature, thermal stability, etc.)
The questions are directly asked in the exams from these topics.
2. Use a Comparative Approach
When solving theory questions compare elements down the group (e.g., N vs P vs As…). Also, compare group-wise behaviours (Group 15 vs Group 16). Learn more from p-block elements class 12 notes.
3. Focus on structures and hybridisation
Practice how to identify molecular structures (e.g., NH3, SO2, PCl5, ClF3). Also, try to understand types of hybridization (e.g., sp3d for PCl5). The NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Chemistry Solutions Chapter 7 will help you understand these concepts better.
4. Practice Conceptual and Memory-Based Questions
Refer to the NCERT in-text questions and exercises. You can also follow previous year questions as to get a clear idea of the exam pattern. You can get these type of questions in the NCERT Class 12 solutions available on our website. Practice previous year questions and solve mock tests. Some examples are given below
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Why is N2 less reactive than P4?
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Write one use of H2SO4.
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Compare the thermal stability of H2O, H2S, H2Se.
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What is the oxidation state of Cl in $ClO_{3}^{-}$?
5. Revise with Tables and Charts
Make group-wise comparison tables for similar trends. You can also prepare short flashcards for compounds, oxidation states, and trends. Make suitable short notes and revise them timely.