NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 - Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 - Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Shivani PooniaUpdated on 08 Aug 2025, 04:27 PM IST

Have you ever wondered why some elements react vigorously, while others are more stable, why elements are arranged in a particular order in the periodic table and how properties of unknown elements can be predicted with the help of periodic trends? The answer to all these questions lies in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties. This chapter is important for understanding the elements and the changes that occur while moving across the periodic table. In the periodic table, elements are arranged in increasing order of their atomic number.

This Story also Contains

  1. Download PDF of NCERT Solution of Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3
  2. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3(Exercise Questions)
  3. Class 11 Chemistry NCERT Chapter 3: High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Question
  4. Approach to Solve Questions of Chapter 3
  5. Topics of the NCERT Syllabus Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3
  6. What Extra Should Students Study Beyond NCERT for JEE/NEET?
  7. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry
  8. NCERT Solutions Subject-wise
  9. NCERT Books and Syllabus
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 - Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
Classification of elements and periodicity in properties

The topics like periodicity, atomic mass, electronegativity, and magnetic properties of elements are all discussed in this chapter in detail. The NCERT solutions for class 11 chemistry are designed to offer a structured approach to understand the concepts of Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties in the easiest way. These NCERT solutions will help you develop a clear understanding of the topics through a series of solved exercises and conceptual explanations. The higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) questions are included in the article to improve your critical thinking. The approach to solve the questions has also been discussed to enhance your speed and accuracy.

Download PDF of NCERT Solution of Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3

Students can download the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 PDF from the icon given below. These Solutions are designed to help you understand the fundamental concepts and solve questions with ease.

Download PDF

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3(Exercise Questions)

The detailed Periodic Classification of Elements Class 11 NCERT Solutions to the exercise questions are given below.

Question 3.1 What is the basic theme of organisation in the periodic table?

Answer :

The basic theme of organisation in the periodic table is to classify all the elements according to similar properties in periods and groups. This arrangement makes the study of elements and their compounds simple and systematic and less confusion can be generated and true information can be generated about the different elements present in the periodic table.

Question 3.2 Which important property did Mendeleev use to classify the elements in his periodic table and did he stick to that?

Answer :

Mendeleev arranged elements in horizontal rows and vertical columns of a table in order of their increasing atomic weights in such a way that the elements with similar properties occupied the same vertical column or group. He fully recognised the significance of periodicity and used a broader range of physical and chemical properties to classify the elements.

In particular, Mendeleev relied on the similarities in the empirical formulas and properties of the compounds formed by the elements. He realised that some of the elements did not fit in with his scheme of classification if the order of atomic weight was strictly followed. He ignored the order of atomic weights, thinking that the atomic measurements might be incorrect, and placed the elements with similar properties together.

Question 3.3 What is the basic difference in approach between Mendeleev’s Periodic Law and the Modern Periodic Law?

Answer :

Mendeleev's Periodic Law can be stated as 'the physical and chemical properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic mass.'

But Modern Periodic Law states that the physical and chemical properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.

Question 3.4 On the basis of quantum numbers, justify that the sixth period of the periodic table should have 32 elements.

Answer :

The period number corresponds to the highest principal quantum number (n) of the elements in the period. The subsequent periods consist of 8, 8, 18, 18 and 32 elements, respectively. The sixth period (n=6) contains 32 elements and successive electrons enter 6s, 4f, 5d and 6p orbitals. Now, 6s has 1 orbital, 4f has 7 orbitals, 5d has 5 orbitals, and 6p has 3 orbitals.

Therefore, there is a total of 16 orbitals available, each orbital carries 2 electrons according to Pauli's exclusion principle. So, we have a total of 32 electrons. Hence, the sixth period of the periodic table should have 32 elements.

Question 3.5 In terms of period and group where would you locate the element with Z =114?

Answer :

Elements with atomic numbers from Z=87 to Z=114 are present in the 7th period of the periodic table. Thus, the element with Z=114 is present in the seventh period.

In the seventh period, the first two elements are s-block elements, the next 14 elements are f-block elements, the next 10 elements are d-block elements, and the next 6 elements are p-block elements.

Therefore, Z=114 element is the second p-block element in the seventh period. Thus, it is present in the 4th group of the 7th period of the periodic table.

Question 3.6 Write the atomic number of the element present in the third period and seventeenth group of the periodic table.

Answer :

Given that, it is present in the 3rd period and the 17th group of the periodic table.

So, the first period has 2 elements and the second period has 8 elements. The 3rd period starts with the element with Z=11. And there are 8 elements present in the third period. Thus, the 3rd period ends with the element with Z=18. The element in the 18th group of the 3rd period has Z=18. Hence, the element in the 17th group of the 3rd period has atomic number Z=17.

Question 3.7 (i) Which element do you think would have been named by
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Answer :

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory named the elements Lawrencium (Lr) with Z=103 and Berkelium (Bk) with Z=97.

Question 3.7 (ii) Which element do you think would have been named by
Seaborg’s group?

Answer :

Seaborg’s group named the elements Seaborgium (Sg) with Z=106.

Question 3.8 Why do elements in the same group have similar physical and chemical properties?

Answer :

Elements in the same group have similar physical and chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. So, their most properties are similar, as they react in the same manner, as the group has the same number of valence electrons.

Question 3.9 What does atomic radius and ionic radius really mean to you?

Answer :

The atomic radius is the distance from the centre of an atom to the outermost shell containing the electrons. It is a measure of the size of an atom.

They can be of types like:

(a) Covalent radius is half the distance between the line joining the centres of nuclei of two adjacent similar atoms.

(b) Metallic radius is half of the distance between the centres of the nuclei of two adjacent atoms in the metallic crystal.

(c) Van der Waals radius is half of the internuclear distance between two similar adjacent atoms.

Whereas, the Ionic radius is the distance from the centre of the nucleus of the ion up to which it exerts its influence on the electron cloud of an ion (cation or anion). Generally, cation has a smaller ionic radius than the parent atom and anions are larger than the parent atom.

Question 3.10 How do atomic radius vary in a period and in a group? How do you explain the variation?

Answer :

The atomic radius of the elements generally decreases from left to right in a period because the nuclear charge gradually increases by one unit and one electron is also added in the electron shell. Due to this, the electrons get attracted more towards the centre, as a result, the atomic radius decreases.

The atomic radius of the elements increases as we move downwards in a group because there is an increase in the principal quantum number and thus, there is an increase in the number of electron shells. Therefore, the atomic size is expected to increase.

Question 3.11 (i) What do you understand by isoelectronic species? Name a species that will be isoelectronic with each of the following atoms or ions.

F−

Answer:

Atoms and ions which contain the same number of electrons are isoelectronic species.

Given F− ion, it has a total of 9+1 =10 electrons.

Thus, the species having the same number of electrons are Na+ ion having (11−1=10) electrons, or Ne having 10 electrons, or O2− ion (8+2=10) electrons, and Al3+ ion having 13−3=10 electrons.

Question 3.11 (ii) What do you understand by isoelectronic species? Name a species that will be isoelectronic with each of the following atoms or ions.

Ar

Answer:

Atoms and ions which contain the same number of electrons are isoelectronic species.

Given Ar, which has a total of 18 electrons.

Thus, the species having the same number of electrons are S2− ion having (16+2=18) electrons, or Cl− having (17+1=18) electrons, or K+ ion (19−1=18) electrons, and Ca2+ ion having (20−2=18) electrons.

Question 3.11 (iii) What do you understand by isoelectronic species? Name a species that will be isoelectronic with each of the following atoms or ions.

Mg2+

Answer :

Atoms and ions which contain the same number of electrons are isoelectronic species.

Given Mg2+, which has a total of (12-2=10) electrons.

Thus, the species having the same number of electrons are

F− ion having (9+1=10) electrons, or O2− having (8+2 =10) electrons, or Ne 10 electrons, and Al3+ ion having (13−3=10) electrons.

Question 3.11 (iv) What do you understand by isoelectronic species? Name a species that will be isoelectronic with each of the following atoms or ions.

Rb+

Answer :

Atoms and ions which contain the same number of electrons are isoelectronic species. Given Rb+, which has a total of (37-1=36) electrons.

Thus, the species having the same number of electrons are

Br− ion having (35+1=36) electrons, or Kr having 36 electrons,

or Sr2+ ion (38-2 =36) electrons.

Question 3.12 (a) Consider the following species : N3−,O2−,F−,Na+,Mg2+,Al3+
What is common in them?

Answer :

Given species,

N3−,O2−,F−,Na+,Mg2+,Al3+

are isoelectronic species as they have the same number of electrons i.e., 10 electrons.

N3−has 7+3=10 electrons.

O2−has 8+2=10 electrons.

F−has 9+1=10 electrons.

Na+has 11−1=10 electrons.

Mg2+has 12−2=10 electrons.

Al3+has 13−3=10 electrons.

Question 3.12 (b) Consider the following species : N3−,O2−,F−,Na+,Mg2+,Al3+

Arrange them in the order of increasing ionic radii.

Answer :

Given species

N3−,O2−,F−,Na+,Mg2+,Al3+ .

As we know that the ionic radii of isoelectric species increase with a decrease in the magnitude of nuclear charge. So, here is the increasing ionic radii arrangement :

Al3+<Mg2+<Na+<F−<O2−<N3−

Question 3.13 Explain why cation are smaller and anions larger in radii than their parent atoms?

Answer :

A cation is smaller than its parent atom because it has fewer electrons, while its nuclear charge remains the same. The size of an anion will be larger than that of the parent atom because the addition of one or more electrons would result in increased repulsion among the electrons and a decrease in effective nuclear charge.

Question 3.14 What is the significance of the terms ‘isolated gaseous atom’ and ‘ground state’ while defining the ionisation enthalpy and electron gain enthalpy?
Hint: Requirements for comparison purposes.

Answer :

The significance of the term 'isolated gaseous atom' indicates that the atoms in the gaseous phase are so far separated that they do not have any mutual attraction or repulsion interactions between them. Here, the value of ionisation enthalpy and electron gain enthalpy is not influenced by the presence of the other atoms.

The significance of the term 'ground state' means that in an atom, electrons are present in the lowest energy state where they neither lose nor gain an electron. Ionization enthalpy and electron gain enthalpy are generally expressed with respect to the ground state of an atom only.

Question 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 Jmol−1

Answer :

Given that the energy of an electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom is −2.18×10−18J .

So, the ionisation enthalpy is for 1 mole of atoms.

Therefore, the ground state energy of the atoms may be expressed as :

E (ground state) =

−2.18×10−18J×(6.022×1023mol−1)

=−1.312×106J mol−1

Whereas, ionisation enthalpy is,

=E∞−Eground state

=0−(−1.312×106mol−1)

=1.312×106J mol−1

Question 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 Δi H than B

Answer :

The electronic configuration of Be is (1s2s2). The outermost electron is present in the s-orbital. Whereas, in B the electronic configuration is (1s2s2p1), here the outermost electron is present in the p-orbital.

The electrons in s-orbital are more tightly attracted by the nucleus than the p-orbital, as a result, more amount of energy is required to knock out a s-orbital electron.

Hence, Be has a higher Δi H than B.

Question 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 (ii) O has lower ΔiH than N and F?

Answer :

In oxygen, two of the four 2p-electrons of oxygen occupy the same 2p-orbital and in nitrogen, the three 2p-electrons of nitrogen occupy three different atomic orbitals.

This results in increased electron-electron repulsion in the oxygen atom. As a result, the energy required to remove the fourth 2p-electron from oxygen is less as compared to the energy required to remove one of the three sp-electrons from nitrogen.

Hence, oxygen has a lower ΔiH than nitrogen.

In the case of fluorine, the electron is added to the same shell, and the increase in nuclear attraction dominates over the increase in electronic repulsion.

Therefore, the valence electrons in the fluorine atom experience a more effective nuclear charge than those experienced by the electrons present in oxygen. As a result, more energy is required to remove an electron from a fluorine atom than that required to remove an electron from an oxygen atom.

Hence, oxygen has a lower ΔiH than fluorine.

Question 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?

Answer :

The electronic configuration of Na and Mg is:

Na=1s22s22p63s1 and Mg=1s22s22p63s2

So, the first electron in case of both cases has to be removed from the 3s-orbital, but the nuclear charge of Sodium has +11 charge and Magnesium has +12 charge, which causes electrons to be held more tightly in the case of Mg; therefore, the first ionisation energy of sodium is lower than that of magnesium.

After the first ionisation happens, the second electron has to be removed from the p-orbital in the case of sodium, which has already attained its stable noble gas configuration and from the s-orbital in the case of magnesium.

Therefore, 2nd ionisation enthalpy of sodium is higher than that of magnesium.

Question 3.18 What are the various factors due to which the ionization enthalpy of the main group elements tends to decrease down a group?

Answer :

Ionisation enthalpy of the main group elements tends to decrease down a group because of the following reasons:

(a) Atomic Size: On moving down the group, there is an increase in the atomic size, an increasing number of electron shells, which results in a weaker binding force with the nucleus. Hence, the ionisation enthalpy decreases.

(b) Screening or shielding effect: On moving down the group, the number of shells increases, and the number of inner electron shells which shield the valence electrons also increases. As a result, the force of attraction of the nucleus for the valence electrons further decreases and hence the ionisation enthalpy decreases.

Question 3.19 The first ionization enthalpy values (in KJmol−1 ) of group 13 elements are :

B
Al
Ga
ln
Tl
801
577
579
558
589


How would you explain this deviation from the general trend?

Answer :

The given trend can be explained by the following steps:

(i) Moving from B to Al, there is an increase in the size of the atom and as a result there is decrease in the value of ionisation enthalpy.

(ii) Moving from Al to Ga, there are 10 electrons in Ga which do not screen as is done by sulphur and phosphorus. Therefore, there is an unexpected increase in the value of effective nuclear charge resulting in increased ionization energy value.

(iii) Moving from Ga to In and Tl, there are 14 electrons in Tl with a very poor shielding effect, which increases the effective nuclear charge, thus the value of ionisation energy increases.

Question 3.20 (i) Which of the following pairs of elements would have a more negative electron gain enthalpy?
O or F

Answer :

Oxygen and Fluorine both are of the second group elements and as we move from O to F, there is a decrease in atomic size; as a result, there is an increase in nuclear charge. Further, by a gain of one electron, F→F− ion has an inert gas configuration, and the O→O− gives an ion which does not have a stable inert gas configuration.

The energy released is much higher in going from fluorine to oxygen, or the electron gain enthalpy value of F is much more negative than that of oxygen.

Question 3.20 (ii) Which of the following pairs of elements would have a more negative electron gain enthalpy?

F or Cl

Answer :

The electron gain enthalpy value of Cl △egH=−349kJ mol−1 is more negative than that of F △egH=−328kJ mol−1.

This is because in the case of F, due to its small size, the electron repulsions in the relatively compact 2p-subshell are comparatively large and hence the attraction for an incoming electron is less as in the case of Cl.

Question 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.

Answer :

When an electron is added to a neutral O atom, a monovalent anion (O−) is formed and there is a release of energy, i.e., the first electron gain enthalpy is negative. After that when the second electron is added to anion (O−) to form (O2−) anion, there is a lot of electrostatic repulsions is there as both (O−) anion and electron have a negative charge, so it is more difficult to add the second electron. To overcome the force of repulsion, we have to give some energy. Thus, the second electron gain enthalpy of Oxygen is positive. i.e., Og→O−→O2−

Question 3.22 What is the basic difference between the terms electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity?

Answer :

The basic differences between the terms electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity are:

Electron gain enthalpy refers to the tendency of an isolated gaseous atom to accept an additional electron from a negative ion, whereas electronegativity refers to the tendency of an atom of an element to attract a shared pair of electrons towards it in a covalent bond.

Question 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?

Answer :

The given statement "the electronegativity of N on the Pauling scale is 3.0 in all the nitrogen compounds" is wrong, because the electronegativity is a variable property of any element and is different for different kinds of compounds. For example electronegativity in NO2 compound is different from NH3 compound.

Question 3.24 (a) Describe the theory associated with the radius of an atom as it

gains an electron

Answer :

When an atom gains an electron it forms an anion. And the size of an anion will be larger than the parent atom because the addition of one or more electrons would result in increased repulsion among electrons and a decrease in the effective nuclear charge. This results in an increase in the atomic radius of an atom

Question 3.24 (b) Describe the theory associated with the radius of an atom as it

loses an electron

Answer :

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged. For the same nuclear charge, there are fewer electrons present than in the parent atom. Hence, there will be an overall increase in the attraction between electrons and the nucleus. As a result, there will be a reduction in the atomic radius of an atom and it is smaller than the parent atom.

Question 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.

Answer :

The ionisation enthalpy depends upon the number of electrons (electronic configuration) and nuclear charge (number of protons) in the nucleus. The electronic configuration nuclear charge of isotopes are same for the isotopes.

Hence, they will have the same ionisation enthalpy.

Question 3.26 What are the major differences between metals and non-metals?

Answer :

Metals are usually solids at room temperature [mercury is an exception; gallium and caesium also have very low melting points]. Metals usually have high melting and boiling points. They are good conductors of heat and electricity because they have the tendency to lose electrons easily. They are malleable (can be flattened into thin sheets by hammering) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).

Non-metals are usually solids or gases at room temperature with low melting and boiling points (boron and carbon are exceptions). They are poor conductors of heat and electricity. Most nonmetallic solids are brittle and are neither malleable nor ductile, hence forming mainly covalent compounds.

Question 3.27 (a) Use the periodic table to answer the following questions.

Identify an element with five electrons in the outer subshell.

Answer :

The element having five electrons in the outer subshell belongs to the nitrogen family or group 15. For example, nitrogen.

Question 3.27 (b) Use the periodic table to answer the following questions.

Identify an element that would tend to lose two electrons.

Answer :

The element that would tend to lose two electrons should belong to the alkaline earth family or group 2. For example, Magnesium.

Question 3.27(c) Use the periodic table to answer the following questions.

Identify an element that would tend to gain two electrons.

Answer :

The element that would tend to gain two electrons should belong to the oxygen family or group 16. For example, Oxygen.

Question 3.27 (d) Use the periodic table to answer the following questions.

Identify the group having metal, non-metal, liquid as well and gas at room temperature.

Answer :

Group 17 has metals, non-metals, liquids as well as gases at room temperature, i.e., chlorine, bromine are non-metals, while iodine is a metal.

Fluorides are liquids in the state, while chlorine, bromine and Iodine are gases at room temperature.

Question 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.

Answer :

In the case of group 1, we have order as Li<Na<K<Rb<Cs because there is only one valence electron. and thus have a strong tendency to lose this electron. The tendency to lose electrons in turn also depends upon the ionisation enthalpy. Moving down the group there is a decrease in the ionization enthalpy, therefore, increasing reactivity down the group.

In the case of group 17, we have the order F>CI>Br>I because there are seven electrons present in the valence shells and thus have a strong tendency to accept electrons to make it a stable noble gas electronic configuration. So, moving down, we have a decrease in both electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity. Hence there is a decrease in the reactivity also.

Question 3.29 Write the general outer electronic configuration of s-, p-, d- and f- block elements.

Answer :

The general electronic configuration of s-,p-,d- and f- block elements is shown below:

For the s-block elements:

ns1−2, where n=2−7 .

For the p-block elements:

ns2np1−6, where n=2−6 .

For the d-block elements,

(n−1)d1−10ns0−2, where n=4−7 .

For f- block elements:

(n−2)f0−14(n−1)d0−1ns2, where n=6−7 .

Question 3.30 (i) Assign the position of the element having the outer electronic configuration
ns2np4forn=3

Answer :

Given the outer electronic configuration of the element:

ns2np4forn=3

For n=3, hence the element belongs to the third period, p-block element.

Since the valence shell contains 6 electrons and Group number = 10+6 =16 configuration =1s22s22p63s23p4 element name is Sulphur.

Question 3.30 (ii) Assign the position of the element having outer electronic configuration
(n−1)d2ns2 for n=4.

Answer :

Given the outer electronic configuration of the element:

(n−1)d2ns2 for n=4 .

For n=4 hence the element belongs to the fourth period.

Since the valence shell contains (2+2) electrons and Group number = 4, configuration is

=1s22s22p63s23p63d24s2 element name is Titanium (Ti).

Question 3.30(iii) Assign the position of the element having outer electronic configuration

(n−2)f7(n−1)d1ns2forn=6 , in the periodic table.

Answer :

Given the outer electronic configuration of the element:

(n−2)f7(n−1)d1ns2forn=6 .

For n=6, hence the element belongs to the sixth period and the last electron goes to the f-orbital, the element is from the f-block.

We have the group number = 3.

Electronic configuration: [Xe]4f75d16s2.

Hence, the element is Gadolinium with Z=64.

Question 3.31(a) The first ΔiH1 and the second ΔiH2 ionization enthalpies (in KJmol−1 ) ΔegH electron gain enthalpy (in KJmol−1 ) of a few elements are given below: Elements ΔH1ΔH2ΔegH I 5207300−60 II 4193051−48 III 16813374−328 IV 10081846−295 V 23725251+48 VI 7381451−40

The least reactive element.

Answer :

The element which has highest first ionization enthalpy (△iH1) and positive electron gain enthalpy (△egH) is element V .

And also element V shows similar behaviour like inert gases because of positive electron gain enthalpy.

Question 3.31(b) The first ΔiH1 and the second ΔiH2 ionization enthalpies (in KJmol−1 ) ΔegH electron gain enthalpy (in KJmol−1 ) of a few elements are given below: Elements ΔH1ΔH2ΔegH I 5207300−60 II 4193051−48 III 16813374−328 IV 10081846−295 V 23725251+48 VI 7381451−40

the most reactive metal.

Answer :

The element II, which has the least first ionisation enthalpy value (△iH1) and a low negative electron gain enthalpy value (△egH) is the most reactive metal.

Question 3.31(c) The first ΔiH1 and the second ΔiH2 ionization enthalpies (in KJmol−1 ) ΔegH electron gain enthalpy (in KJmol−1 ) of a few elements are given below: Elements ΔH1ΔH2ΔegH I 5207300−60 II 4193051−48 III 16813374−328 IV 10081846−295 V 23725251+48 VI 7381451−40

The most reactive non-metal.

Answer :

The element III, which has a high first ionisation enthalpy (△iH1) and a very high negative electron gain enthalpy (△egH) is the most reactive non-metal.

Question 3.31(d) The first ΔiH1 and the second ΔiH2 ionization enthalpies (in KJmol−1 ) ΔegH electron gain enthalpy (in KJmol−1 ) of a few elements are given below: Elements ΔH1ΔH2ΔegH I 5207300−60 II 4193051−48 III 16813374−328 IV 10081846−295 V 23725251+48 VI 7381451−40

The least reactive non-metal.

Answer :

The element IV has a high negative electron gain enthalpy (△egH) but not so high that the first ionisation enthalpy (△iH1), and is the least reactive non-metal.

Question 3.31(e) The first ΔiH1 and the second ΔiH2 ionization enthalpies (in KJmol−1 ) ΔegH electron gain enthalpy (in KJmol−1 ) of a few elements are given below:

Elements ΔH1ΔH2ΔegH I 5207300−60 II 4193051−48 III 16813374−328 IV 10081846−295 V 23725251+48 VI 7381451−40

The metal which can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2 (X=halogen).

Answer :

The metal which can form a stable binary halide of the formula: MX2 (X=halogen) is the element VI, which hasa low first ionisation enthalpy (△iH1) but higher than that of alkali metals. Hence, it is an alkaline earth metal and forms binary halides.

Question 3.32 (a) Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements.

Lithium and oxygen

Answer :

For lithium and oxygen, the formula of the stable binary compound is: LiO2 (Lithium oxide)

Question 3.32(b) Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements.

Magnesium and nitrogen

Answer :

For Magnesium and nitrogen, the formula of the stable binary compound is: Mg3N2 (Magnesium nitride).

Question 3.32(c) Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements.

Aluminium and iodine

Answer :

For Aluminium and iodine, the formula of the stable binary compound is: AlI3 (Aluminium iodide).

Question 3.32 (d) Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements.

Silicon and oxygen

Answer :

The stable binary compound that would be formed by the combination of Silicon and oxygen is: Silicon dioxide SiO2 .

Question 3.32 (e) Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements.

Phosphorus and fluorine

Answer :

The stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of Phosphorus and fluorine are: Phosphorus trifluoride PF3 or Phosphorus pentafluoride PF5.

Question 3.32 (f) Predict the formulas of the stable binary compounds that would be formed by the combination of the following pairs of elements.

Element 71 and fluorine

Answer :

The element with the atomic number 71 is Lutetium (Lu) having valency of 3.

Hence, the formula of the compound is LuF3 (Lutetium trifluoride).

Question 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.

Answer :

(C) Principal quantum number

In the modern periodic table, the period indicates the value of the principal quantum number (n) for the outermost shell or the valence shell.

Question 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 the value of the azimuthal quantum number (l) for the last subshell that received electrons in building up the electronic configuration
.

Answer :

The correct option is (b).

This is because the d-block has a maximum of 10 electrons in all orbitals in a d-subshell and there are 10 columns. As each subshell can have a maximum of five orbitals and 10 electrons, therefore, there are 10 vertical columns in a d-block.

Question 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.

Answer :

(c) Nuclear Mass.

Valence shell electrons are present in the outermost shell of an atom, and nuclear mass does not affect the valence shell because the nuclear mass has so a small value that it is considered negligible.

Question 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.

Answer :

(a) Nuclear charge (Z)

Because as the nuclear charge increases, the size of an isoelectronic species decreases.

Here we have the isoelectronic species: F−, Ne and Na+

F− has Z=9

Ne has Z=10

Na+ has Z=11

Therefore, the order of increasing size is as follows:

Na+<Ne<F−

Question 3.37 Which one of the following statements is incorrect in relation to ionization enthalpy?

(a) Ionisation enthalpy increases for each successive electron.

(b) The greatest increase in ionisation enthalpy is experienced on the removal of an electron from the core noble gas configuration.

(c) The end of valence electrons is marked by a big jump in ionisation enthalpy.

(d) Removal of electrons from orbitals bearing a lower n value is easier than from orbital having a higher n value.

Answer :

The correct option is (d).

Because electrons in orbitals bearing a lower n value are more attracted to the nucleus than electrons in orbitals bearing a higher n value.

Hence, the removal of electrons from orbitals bearing a higher n value is easier than the removal of electrons from orbitals having a lower n value.

Question 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

(d) K > Mg > Al > B

Answer:

The metallic character of an element is the tendency of an element to lose electrons easily. So, moving from left to right across the period metallic character of the element decreases.

Here, K and Mg are s-block elements while B and Al belong to the p-block.

Hence, the order is as follows:

K > Mg > Al > B

Question 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

Answer:

(c) F > N > C > B > Si

Because the non-metallic character of an element increases from left to right across the period. And the position of elements:

Boron (B) - 2nd period and 13th group.

Carbon (C) - 2nd period and 14th group.

Nitrogen (N) - 2nd period and 15th group.

Fluorine (F) - 2nd period and 17th group.

And the Silicon (Si) is present in the 3rd period and 14th group.

Hence, the correct order of non-metallic character is as follows:

F > N > C > B > S

Question 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

Answer :

(b) F>O>Cl>N

The oxidising property of elements increases from left to right across a period because of the presence of vacant d-orbitals in their valence shells.

Thus, we get the decreasing order of oxidising property as F>O>N.

And the oxidising character of elements decreases down a group. Thus, we get F>Cl.

However, the oxidizing character of oxygen is more than that of chlorine.

So, O>Cl .

Hence, the correct order of their chemical reactivity in terms of oxidising property is :

F>O>Cl>N .

Class 11 Chemistry NCERT Chapter 3: High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Question

These Higher Order Thinking Skills questions are based on Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties questions. Practise these questions to develop conceptual understanding and problem solving ability.

Question: An element ' E ' has the ionisation enthalpy value of 374 kJ mol−1. 'E' reacts with elements A, B, C and D with electron gain enthalpy values of −328,−349, -325 and −295 kJ mol−1, respectively.
The correct order of the products EA, EB, EC and ED in terms of ionic character is :

  1. EB> EA > EC > ED
  2. ED>EC>EA>EB
  3. EA> EB > EC > ED
  4. ED> EC > EB > EA

Answer: The difference between I.E. & E.G.E increases, and ionic character increases.

Hence, the correct answer is option (1).

Question: The ionic radii of F and O2− respectively are 1.33A and 1.4A, while the covalent radius of N is 0.74A.

The correct statement for the ionic radius of N3− from the following is :

  1. It is smaller than F−and N
  2. It is bigger than O2− and F−
  3. It is bigger than F−and N , but smaller than of O2−
  4. It is smaller than O2− and F , but bigger than of N

Answer: For isoelectronic species, the size of the ion increases with the increase in the negative charge on the ion.

Thus, the order of radius of the given species is

N3−>O2−>F−

Hence, the answer is option (2).

Question: Consider the ground state of chromium atom (Z=24). How many electrons are with Azimuthal quantum number l=1 and l=2 respectively?

1) 12 and 4

2) 16 and 4

3) 12 and 5

4) 16 and 5

Answer:

l=0 for s-orbitals l=1 for p-orbitals l=2 for d-orbitals

Cr:1 s22 s22p63 s23p63 d54 s1 ℓ=1ℓ=2 electrons having ℓ=1⇒12 electrons having ℓ=2⇒5

Hence, the correct answer is option (3).

Approach to Solve Questions of Chapter 3

Students can refer to the effective approaches to solve Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties questions and answers. These simple strategies will make it easier for you to understand the chapter and solve questions.

1. Remember the periodic table arrangement
Before solving questions it is very important to learn how to discover the element placement in the periodic table according to their atomic numbers, groups and periods.Try to understand the meaning of the s, p, d, and f blocks and the difference between metals, non-metals, and metalloids. Students can also refer to Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties NCERT Notes for quick revision.

2. Learn periodic trends thoroughly
Examine trends such as metallic/non-metallic character, ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity and atomic/ionic radius. Also understand the causes of each trend, including the rise and fall in the atomic radius as you move through the periodic table.
3. Practice reasoning-based questions

Learn to compare two or more elements based on trends and write logical explanations. Focus on anomalies and exceptions e.g., noble gases, group 13 anomalies. Also use NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 PDF for better understanding

4. Learn trends
Use periodic trends to solve problems on reactivity, bond formation, basic/acidic character of oxides, etc. It is advisable to relate the electron configuration with the position of elements in the periodic table and to know why the elements are divided into different blocks, like s-block or p-block.
5. Solve questions
Practice in-text, exercise and exemplar questions from NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties regularly. Try to attempt previous year questions and trend from competitive exams.

Topics of the NCERT Syllabus Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3

Below are the important topics covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 3 Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties as per the latest syllabus.

3.1 Why do we need to classify elements?

3.2 Genesis of periodic classification

3.3 Modern periodic law and the present form of the periodic table

3.4 Nomenclature of elements with atomic number > 100

3.5 Electronic configuration of elements and the periodic table

3.6 Electronic configurations and Types of elements: s, p, d, f blocks

3.6.1 The s-Block Elements

3.6.2 The p-Block Elements

3.6.3 The d-Block Elements (Transition Elements)

3.6.4 The f-Block Elements (Inner-Transition Elements)

3.6.5 Metals, Non-metals and Metalloids

3.7 Periodic trends in properties of elements

3.7.1 Trends in Physical Properties

3.7.2 Periodic Trends in Chemical Properties

3.7.3 Periodic Trends and Chemical Reactivity

NCERT Solutions Subject-wise

Follow the links below to get your hands on NCERT solutions for other subjects as well.

NCERT Books and Syllabus

The subject-wise books and syllabus are provided in the table. Click on the link below


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How are elements classified in the modern periodic table?
A:

In the modern periodic table, elements are primarily classified based on their atomic number. The table is arranged in rows known as periods and columns called groups, where elements in the same group share similar properties due to the same number of valence electrons.

Q: What is the significance of classifying elements in chemistry?
A:

Classifying elements helps organize them based on similar properties and behaviors. This classification helps in understanding the relationships between different elements, predicting their chemical behavior, and recognizing patterns in their properties. 

Q: What are periods and groups in the periodic table?
A:

Periods are horizontal rows in the periodic table, and each period corresponds to the energy level of the electrons. Groups are vertical columns and contain elements that exhibit similar chemical characteristics. 

Q: How do you calculate valency?
A:

After determining the electron configuration, we can find the valence electrons by examining the number of electrons in the outermost shell which is equal to the number of valency.

Q: Is van der Waals radius greater than covalent radius?
A:

Yes, this is because Van der Waals radius is measured between non-bonded atoms, while covalent radius is measured between atoms that are chemically bonded. 

Articles
Upcoming School Exams
Ongoing Dates
UP Board 12th Others

11 Aug'25 - 6 Sep'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
UP Board 10th Others

11 Aug'25 - 6 Sep'25 (Online)