p-Block Elements II – NEET Chemistry Class 12

p-Block Elements II includes Group 15 (Nitrogen family), Group 16 (Oxygen family), Group 17 (Halogens), and Group 18 (Noble gases). These elements are crucial for NEET as they cover properties, reactions, and industrial applications.

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Introduction to p-Block Elements II

• Definition: Elements with the outermost electron in the p-orbital of their valence shell.

• Importance: Understanding trends in oxidation states, reactivity, and bonding is vital for NEET.

• Groups Covered:

  • Group 15: N, P, As, Sb, Bi

  • Group 16: O, S, Se, Te, Po

  • Group 17: F, Cl, Br, I, At

  • Group 18: He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn

Group 15 Elements (Nitrogen Family)

• General Properties: ns²np³ configuration, multiple oxidation states, non-metallic to metallic trend

• Important Compounds: NH₃, HNO₃, PH₃, PCl₅

• Reactivity: Nitrogen forms stable N₂ due to strong triple bond

• NEET Focus: Oxides, hydrides, preparation and properties of nitric acid and phosphine

Group 16 Elements (Oxygen Family / Chalcogens)

• General Properties: ns²np⁴ configuration, -2 oxidation state common, non-metallic character decreases down the group

• Important Compounds: H₂O, H₂S, SO₂, SO₃

• Reactivity: Forms acids (H₂SO₄), oxides, and sulfides

• NEET Focus: Oxidizing nature, acidic/neutral/basic oxides, preparation and properties of sulfuric acid

Group 17 Elements (Halogens)

• General Properties: ns²np⁵ configuration, high electronegativity, diatomic molecules

• Important Compounds: HX acids, interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of halogens

• Reactivity: Fluorine most reactive, reactivity decreases down the group

• NEET Focus: Displacement reactions, bleaching agents, preparation and properties of halogen acids

Group 18 Elements (Noble Gases)

• General Properties: ns²np⁶ configuration (except He: 1s²), inert, monoatomic gases

• Applications: Lighting (Ne, Ar), lasers, refrigerants (Xe), chemical compounds (XeF₂, XeO₃)

• NEET Focus: General inertness, formation of compounds under special conditions

Trends in Properties

• Atomic and Ionic Radii: Increase down the group, decrease across the period

• Electronegativity: Decreases down the group, increases across the period

• Oxidation States: Vary widely in Groups 15 and 16, stable highest oxidation state in heavier elements is less stable

• Acid-Base Character of Oxides: Non-metal oxides acidic, metallic oxides basic

Importance for NEET Preparation

• Questions frequently test trends, chemical reactions, and properties of compounds.

• Industrial applications of p-block elements often appear in conceptual questions.

• Oxidation states and chemical behavior form the basis for numerical and theoretical NEET questions.

Previous Year NEET Questions – Insights

• Preparation and properties of NH₃, PH₃, H₂S, SO₂, HCl, HF

• Reactions of halogens and displacement reactions

• Oxides of nitrogen and sulfur: acidic/basic nature

• Noble gas compounds and industrial applications

Study Tips for Students

1. Memorize Group-wise Properties – Trends, oxidation states, electronegativity

2. Focus on Important Compounds – NH₃, HNO₃, PH₃, H₂SO₄, HX

3. Understand Reactivity Trends – Halogens and chalcogens

4. Refer NCERT Examples – NEET questions are NCERT-based

5. Solve Previous Year Questions – Reinforces trend predictions and reaction mechanisms

Conclusion

Mastering p-Block Elements II is essential for NEET success. It allows students to predict reactivity, understand compound formation, and solve both theoretical and application-based problems confidently. A strong understanding ensures high scoring potential in Class 12 inorganic chemistry.