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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Intext Exercise 1
Question 1:
Discuss the general characteristics of Group 15 elements with reference to their electronic
configuration, oxidation state, atomic size, ionization and electronegativity.

Solution 1:
General trends in group 15 elements
(i) Electronic configuration: All the elements in group 15 have 5 valence electrons. Their general
electronic configuration is ns2 np3.
(ii) Oxidation states: All these elements have 5 valence electrons and require three more
electrons to complete their octets. However, gaining electrons is very difficult as the nucleus will
have to attract three more electrons. This can take place only with nitrogen as it is the smallest in
size and the distance between the nucleus and the valence shell is relatively small. The remaining
elements of this group show a formal oxidation state of -3 in their covalent compounds. In
addition to the -3 state, N and P also show -1 and -2 oxidation states. All the elements present in
this group show +3 and +5 oxidation states. However, the stability of +5 oxidation state
decreases down a group, whereas the stability of +3 oxidation state increases. This happens
because of the inert pair effect.
(iii) Ionization energy and electronegativity: First ionization decreases on moving down a group.
This is because of increasing atomic sizes. As we move down a group, electronegativity
decreases, owing to an increase in size.
(iv) Atomic size: On moving down a group, the atomic size increases. This increase in the atomic
size is attributed to an increase in the number of shells.

Question 2:
Why does the reactivity of nitrogen differ from phosphorus?

Solution 2:
Nitrogen is chemically less reactive. This is because of the high stability of its molecule, N2. In
N2, the two nitrogen atoms form a triple bond. This triple bond has very high bond strength,
which is very difficult to break, It is because of nitrogen’s small size that it is able to form pπ -
pπ bonds with itself. This property is not exhibited by atoms such as phosphorus. Thus,
phosphorus is more reactive than nitrogen.

Intext Exercise 2

Question 3:
Discuss the trends in chemical reactivity of group 15 elements.

Solution 3:
General trends in chemical properties of group 15

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

(i) Reactivity towards hydrogen:

The elements of group 15 react with hydrogen to form hydrides of type EH3, where E = N, P As,
Sb, or Bi The stability of hydrides decreases on moving down from NH3 to BiH3.
(ii) Reactivity towards oxygen:
The elements of group 15 form two types of oxides: E203 and E205, where E = N, P, As, Sb, or Bi.
The oxide with the element in the higher oxidation state is more acidic than the other. However,
the acidic character decreases on moving down a group.
(iii) Reactivity towards halogens:
The group 15 elements react with halogens to form two series of salts: EX3 and EX5. However,
nitrogen does not form NX5 as it lacks the d-orbital. All trihalides (except NX3) are stable,
(iv) Reactivity towards metals:
The group 15 elements react with metals to form binary compounds in which metals exhibit -3
oxidation states.

Intext Exercise 3

Question 4:
Why does NH3 form hydrogen bond but PH3 does not?

Solution 4:
Hydrogen bond is always formed between highly electronegative atom and H atom. Nitrogen is
highly electronegative compared to phosphorus as electronegativity decreases down the group.
Hence, the extent of hydrogen bonding in PH3 is very less as compared to NH3.

Question 5:
How is nitrogen prepared in the laboratory? Write the chemical equations of the reactions
involved.

Solution 5:
An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride is treated with sodium nitrite.
NH 4 Cl( aq )  NaNO2( aq )  N 2( g )  2 H 2 O( l ) NaCl( aq )
NO and HNO3 are produced in small amounts. These are impurities that can be removed on
passing nitrogen gas through aqueous sulphuric acid, containing potassium dichromate.

Question 6:
How is ammonia manufactured industrially?

Solution 6:
Ammonia is prepared on a large-scale by the Haber’s process.
N2( g )  3H2( g )  2NH3( g )  f H o  46.1kJ / mol
The optimum conditions for manufacturing ammonia are:
(i) Pressure (around 200 ×105 Pa)
(ii) Temperature (4700 K)
(iii) Catalyst such as iron oxide with small amounts of A12O3 and K2O

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Question 7:
Illustrate how copper metal can give different products on reaction with HNO3.

Solution 7:
Concentrated nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent It is used for oxidizing most metals. The
products of oxidation depend on the concentration of the acid, temperature, and also on the
material undergoing oxidation.
3Cu  8HNO3( dilute )  3Cu ( NO3 ) 2  2 NO  4 H 2O
Cu  4 HNO3( conc )  Cu ( NO3 ) 2  2 NO2  2 H 2 O

Question 8:
Give the resonating structures of NO2 and N2O5

Solution 8:
(1)

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

(2)

Question 9:
The HNH angle value is higher than HPH, HAsH and HSbH angles. Why?
[Hint: Can be explained on the basis of sp3 hybridisation in NH3 and only s-p bonding between
hydrogen and other elements of the group].

Solution 9:
Hydride NH3 PH3 AsH3 SbH3
H-M-H angle 107 92 91 90
The above trend in the H-M-H bond angle can be explained on the basis of the electronegativity
of the central atom. Since nitrogen is highly electronegative, there is high electron density around
nitrogen. This causes greater repulsion between the electron pairs around nitrogen, resulting in
maximum bond angle. We know that electronegativity decreases on moving down a group.
Consequently, the repulsive interactions between the electron pairs decrease, thereby decreasing
the H-M-H bond angle.

Question 10:
Why does R3P = 0 exist but R3N = 0 does not (R = alkyl group)?

Solution 10:
N (unlike P) lacks the d-orbital. This restricts nitrogen to expand its coordination number beyond
four. Hence, R3N = 0 does not exist.

Question 11:
Explain why NH3 is basic while BiH3 is only feebly basic.

Solution 11:
Nitrogen has a small size due to which the lone pair of electrons is concentrated in a small
region. This means that the charge density per unit volume is high. On moving down a group, the
size of the central atom increases and the charge gets distributed over a large area decreasing the
electron density. Hence, the electron donating capacity of group 15 element hydrides decreases
on moving down the group.

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Question 12:
Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P4. Why?

Solution 12:
Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form p  p multiple bonds with it.
Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N2. On moving down a group, the tendency
to form p  p bonds decreases (because of the large size of heavier elements). Therefore,
phosphorus (like other heavier metals) exists in the P4 state.

Question 13:
Write main differences between the properties of white phosphorus and red phosphorus.

Solution 13:

White phosphorus Red phosphorus

It is a soft and waxy solid. It It is hard and crystalline solid, without any small.
possesses a garlic small
It is poisonous. It is non-poisonous.
It is insoluble in water but soluble It is insoluble in both water and carbon disulphide.
in carbon disulphide
It undergoes spontaneous It is relatively less reactive
combustion in air
It is both solid and vapour states, it It exists as a chain of tetrahedral p4 units.
exists as a p4 molecule. P P P

P P P P P P

P P P

Question 14:
Why does nitrogen show catenation properties less than phosphorus?

Solution 14:
Catenation is much more common in phosphorous compounds than in nitrogen compounds. This
is because of the relative weakness of the N-N single bond as compared to the P-P single bond.
Since nitrogen atom is smaller, there is greater repulsion of electron density of two nitrogen
atoms, thereby weakening the N-N single bond.

Question 15:
Give the disproportionation reaction of H 3 PO3 .

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Solution 15:
On heating, orthophosphorus acid ( H 3 PO3 ) disproportionates to give orthophosphoric acid
( H 3 PO4 ) and phosphine ( PH 3 ) The oxidation states of P in various species involved in the
reaction are mentioned below.
3 5 3
4 H 3 P O3 
 3H 3 P O4  P H 3

Question 16:
Can PCl5 act as an oxidizing as well as a reducing agent? Justify.

Solution 16:
PCl5 can only act as an oxidizing agent. The highest oxidation state that P can show is+5.
In PCl5 , phosphorus is in its highest oxidation state (+5). However, it can decrease its oxidation
state and act as an oxidizing agent.

Question 17:
Justify the placement of O, S, Se, Te and Po in the same group of the periodic table in terms of
electronic configuration, oxidation state and hydride formation.

Solution 17:
The elements of group 16 are collectively called chalcogens.
(i) Elements of group 16 have six valence electrons each. The general electronic configuration of
these elements is ns 2 np 4 , where n varies from 2 to 6.
(ii) Oxidation state:
As these elements have six valence electrons (ns 2 np 4 ) , they should display an oxidation state of
-2. However, only oxygen predominantly shows the oxidation state of -2 owing to its high
electronegativity. It also exhibits the oxidation state of -1 ( H 2O2 ) , zero ( O2 ), and +2 ( OF2 ).
However, the stability of the -2 oxidation state decreases on moving down a group due to a
decrease in the electronegativity of the elements. The heavier elements of the group show an
oxidation state of +2, +4, and +6 due to the availability of d-orbitals.
(iii) Formation of hydrides:
These elements form hydrides of formula H 2 E , where E = O, S, Se, Te, PO. Oxygen and
sulphur also form hydrides of type H 2 E2 . These hydrides are quite volatile in nature.

Question 18:
Why is dioxygen a gas but sulphur a solid?

Solution 18:
Oxygen is smaller in size as compared to sulphur. Due to its smaller size, it can effectively form
p  p bonds and form O2 (0==O) molecule. Also, the intermolecular forces in oxygen are
weak van der Wall’s, which cause it to exist as gas. On the other forces in oxygen are weak van
der Wall’s, which cause it to exist as gas. On the other hand, sulphur does not form p  p

7.p-Block elements www.vedantu.com 6

Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

bonds but exists as a puckered structure held together by strong covalent bonds. Hence, it is a
solid.

Question 19:
Knowing the electron gain enthalpy values for O→ O- and O→ O2- as —141 and 702 kJ mol-1
respectively, how can you account for the formation of a large number of oxides having species
and not O-?
(Hint: Consider lattice energy factor in the formation of compounds).

Solution 19:
Stability of an ionic compound depends on its lattice energy. More the lattice energy of a
compound, more stable it will be. Lattice energy is directly proportional to the charge carried by
an ion. When a metal combines with oxygen, the lattice energy of the oxide involving O 2 ion is
much more than the oxide involving O  ion. Hence, the oxide having O 2 ions are more stable
than oxides having O  . Hence, we can say that formation of O2- is energetically more favourable
than formation of O 

Question 20:
Which aerosols deplete ozone?

Solution 20:
Freon’s or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are aerosols that accelerate the depletion of ozone. In the
presence of ultraviolet radiations, molecules of CFCs break down to form chlorine- free radicals
that combine with ozone to form oxygen.

Question 21:
Describe the manufacture of H2SO4 by contact process?

Solution 21:
Sulphuric acid is manufactured by the contact process. It involves the following steps:
Step (i): Sulphur or sulphide ores are burnt in air to form SO2 .
Step (ii): By a reaction with oxygen, SO2 is converted into SO3 in the presence of V2O5 as a
catalyst.
2SO2( g )  O2( g ) 
V2 O5
 2SO3( g )
Step (iii):
SO3 Produced is absorbed on H 2 SO4 to give H 2 S2O7 (oleum)
SO3  H 2 SO4  H 2 S2O7
This oleum is then diluted to obtain H 2 SO4 of the desired concentration.
In practice, the plant is operated at 2 bar (pressure) and 720 K (temperature). The Sulphuric acid
thus obtained is 96-98% pure.

Question 22:

7.p-Block elements www.vedantu.com 7

Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

How is SO2 an air pollutant?

Solution 22:
Sulphur dioxide causes harm to the environment in many ways:
1. It combines with water vapour present in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid. This causes
acid rain. Acid rain damages soil, plants, and buildings, especially those made of marble.
2. Even in very low concentrations, SO2 causes irritation in the respiratory tract. It causes throat
and eye irritation and can also affect the larynx to cause breathlessness.
3. It is extremely harmful to plants. Plants exposed to sulphur dioxide for a long time lose colour
from their leaves. This condition is known as chlorosis. This happens because the formation of
chlorophyll is affected by the presence of sulphur dioxide.

Question 23:
Why are halogens strong oxidising agents?

Solution 23:
The general electronic configuration of halogens is np 5 , where n = 2-6. Thus, halogens need
only one more electron to complete their octet and to attain the stable noble gas configuration.
Also, halogens are highly electronegative with low dissociation energies and high negative
electron gain enthalpies. Therefore, they have a high tendency to gain an electron. Hence, they
act as strong oxidizing agents.

Question 24:
Explain why fluorine forms only one oxoacid, HOF

Solution 24:
Fluorine forms only one oxoacid i.e., HOF because of its high electronegativity , small size and
non availability of d orbitals.

Question 25:
Explain why inspite of nearly the same electronegativity, oxygen forms hydrogen bonding while
chlorine does not.

Solution 25:
Both chlorine and oxygen have almost the same electronegativity values, but chlorine rarely
forms hydrogen bonding. This is because in comparison to chlorine, oxygen has a smaller size
and as a result, a higher electron density per unit volume.

Question 26:
Write two uses of ClO2

Solution 26:
Uses of ClO2
(i) It is used for purifying water.

7.p-Block elements www.vedantu.com 8

Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

(ii) It is used as a bleaching agent.

Question 27:
Why are halogens coloured?

Solution 27:
Almost all halogens are coloured. This is because halogens absorb radiations in the visible
region. This results in the excitation of valence electrons to a higher energy region. Since the
amount of energy required for excitation differs for each halogen, each halogen displays a
different colour.
F2- yellow Cl2- greenish yellow Br2- red I2- violet

Question 28:
Write the reactions of F2 and Cl2 with water.

Solution 28:
(i) Cl2  H 2O  HCl  HOCl
Hydrrolic acid Hypochlorous acid

(ii) 2 F2( g )  2 H 2 O  O2( g )  4 HF (aq)

Question 29:
How can you prepare Cl2 from HCl and HCl from Cl2 ? Write reasons only

Solution 29:
(i) Cl2 can be prepared from HCl by Deacon’s process. 4HCl  O2 
CaCl2
2Cl2  2H2O
(ii) HCl can be prepared from Cl2 on treating it with water.
Cl2  H 2O  HCl  HOCl
Hyrocloric acid Hyprochlorous acid

Question 30:
What inspired N. Bartlett for carrying out reaction between Xe and PtF6

Solution 30:
Neil Bartlett initially carried out a reaction between oxygen and PtF6 . This resulted in the
formation of a red compound, O2  PtF6  .
Later, he realized that the first ionization energy of oxygen 1175kJ / mol  and
Xe 1175kJ / mol  is almost the same. Thus, he tried to prepare a compound with Xe and PtF6 .
He was successful and a red-coloured compound, Xe  PtF6  was formed


Question 31:
What are the oxidation states of phosphorus in the following:
(i) H 2 PO3 (ii) PCl3 (iii)Ca3 P2 (iv) NaPO4 (v) POF3 ?

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Solution 31:
Let the oxidation state of p of x.
(i) H 3 PO3
3 + x +3(-2) = 0
3 + x -6 = 0
X = +3

(ii) PCl3
X + 3(-1) = 0
X–3=0
X=+3

(iii) Ca3 P2
3 (+2) + 2(x) = 0
6 + 2x = 0
2x = 6
x = -3
(iv) Na3 PO4
3(+1)+ x +4(-2) = 0
3+ x – 8 = 0
x–5=0
x=+5
(v) POF3
x +(-2) +3(-1) = 0
x–5=0
x=+5

Question 32:
Write balanced equations for the following:
(i) NaCl is heated with sulphuric acid in the presence of MnO2 .
(ii) Chlorine gas is passed into a solution of NaI in water.

Solution 32:
i  4NaCl  MnO2  4H2SO4  MnCl2  4NaHSO4  2H2O  Cl2
(ii) Cl2  NaI  2 NaCI  I 2

Question 33:
How are xenon fluorides XeF2 , XeF4 and XeF6 obtained?

Solution 33:
XeF2 , XeF4 and XeF6 are obtained by a direct reaction between Xe and F2. The condition under
which the reaction is carried out determines the product.

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Xe( g )  F2( g ) 673K , 1bar XeF2( g )

(Excess)
Xe( g )  2F2( g ) 873K , 7bar XeF4( g )
(1:5 ratio)
Xe( g )  3F2( g ) 573K , 60  70bar XeF6( g )
(1:20 ratio)

Question 34:
With what neutral molecule is ClO isoelectronic? Is that molecule a Lewis base?
Solution 34:
ClO is isoelectronic to CIF . Also, both species contain 26 electrons in all as shown.
Total electrons
ClO =17+ 8+ 1= 26
In CIF =17 +9 =26
CIF Acts like a Lewis base as it accepts electrons from F to form CIF3

Question 35:
How are XeO3 and XeOF4 prepared?

Solution 35:
(i) XeO3 can be prepared in two ways as shown.
6 XeF4  12H 2O  4 XeO3  24HF  1O2
XeF6  3H 2O  XeO3  6 HF
(ii) XeOF4 can be prepared using XeF6 .
XeF6  H 2O  XeOF4  2HF

Question 36:
Arrange the following in the order of property indicated for each set:
(i) F2 , Cl2 , Br2 , I 2  increasing bond dissociation enthalpy.
(ii) HF , HCl , HBr, HI  increasing acid strength.
(iii) NH 3 , PH 3 , AsH 3 , SbH 3 , BiH 3  increasing base strength

Solution 36:
(i) Bond dissociation energy usually decreases on moving down a group as the atomic size
increases. However, the bond dissociation energy of F2 is lower than that of Cl2 and Br2 This
is due to the small atomic size of fluorine. Thus, the increasing order for bond dissociation
energy among halogens is as follows: I 2  F2  Br2  Cl2
(ii) HF  HCl  HBr  HI

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

The bond dissociation energy of H-X molecules where X = F, Cl, Br, I, decreases with an
increase in the atomic size. Since H-I bond is the weakest, HI is the strongest acid.
(iii) BiH 3  SbH 3  AsH 3  PH 3  NH 3
On moving from nitrogen to bismuth, the size of the atom increases while the electron density on
the atom decreases. Thus, the basic strength decreases.

Question 37:
Which one of the following does not exist?
(i) XeF4 (ii) NeF2
(iii) XeF2 (iv) XeF6

Solution 37:
NeF2 does not exist.

Question 38:
Give the formula and describe the structure of a noble gas species which is isostructural
With:
(i) ICI 4
(ii) IBr2
(iii) BrO3

Solution 38:
(i) XeF4 is isostructural with ICI 4 and has square planar geometry.

(ii) XeF2 is isostructural to IBr2 and has a linear structure.

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

(iii) XeF3 is isostructural BrO3 and has a pyramidal geometry.

Question 39:
Why do noble gases have comparatively large atomic sizes?

Solution 39:
Noble gases do not form molecules. In case of noble gases, the atomic radii correspond to van
der Waal’s radii. On the other hand, the atomic radii of other elements correspond to their
covalent radii. By definition, van der Waal’s radii are larger than covalent radii. It is for this
reason that noble gases are very large in size as compared to other atoms belonging to the same
period.

Question 40:
List the uses of Neon and argon gases.

Solution 40:
Uses of neon gas:
(i) It is mixed with helium to protect electrical equipment’s from high voltage
(ii) It is filled in discharge tubes with characteristic colours.
(iii) It is used in beacon lights.
Uses of Argon gas:
(i) Argon along with nitrogen is used in gas-filled electric lamps. This is because Ar is more inert
than N.
(ii) It is usually used to provide an inert temperature in a high metallurgical process.
(iii) It is also used in laboratories to handle air-sensitive substances.

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Intext Questions
Question 1:
Why are pentahalides more covalent than trihalides?

Solution 1:
In pentahalides, the oxidation state is +5 and +3oxidation state in trihalides. Since the metal ion
with a high charge has more polarizing power, pentahalides are more covalent than trihalides.

Question 2:
Why is BiH3 the strongest reducing agent amongst all the hydrides of Group 15 elements?

Solution 2:
As we move down a group. the atomic size increases and the stability of the hydrides of group
15 elements decreases Since the stability of hydrides decreases on moving from NH3 to BiH3, the
reducing character of the hydrides increases on moving from NH3 to BiH3.

Question 3:
Why is N2 less reactive at room temperature?

Solution 3:
The two N atoms in N2 are bonded to each other by very strong triple covalent bonds. The bond
dissociation energy of this bond is very high. As a result, N2 is less reactive at room temperature.

Question 4:
Mention the conditions required to maximize the yield of ammonia.

Solution 4:
Ammonia is prepared using the Haber s process. The yield of ammonia can be maximized under
the following conditions:
(i) High pressure   200atm
(ii) A temperature of 700K
(iii) Use of a catalyst such as iron oxide mixed with small amounts of K 2O and Al2O3

Question 5:
How does ammonia react with a solution of Cu 2 ?

Solution 5:
NH 3 acts as a Lewis base. It donates its electron pair and forms a linkage with metal ion.

Cu( aq )  4 NH 3( g )  Cu ( NH 3 ) 4 
2 2
( aq )
Blue Deep Blue

Question 6:
What is the covalence of nitrogen in N 2O5 ?

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Solution 6:

From the structure of N 2O5 , it is evident that the covalence of nitrogen is 4.

Question 7:
Bond angle in PH 4 is higher than that in PH 3 .Why ?

Solution 7:
In PH 3 ,P is sp3 hybridized. Three orbitals are involved in bonding with three hydrogen atoms
and the fourth one contains a lone pair. As lone pair-bond pair repulsion is stronger than bond
pair-bond pair repulsion, the tetrahedral shape associated with sp3 bonding is changed to
pyramidal. PH 3 combines with a proton to form in which the lone pair is absent. Due to PH 4
the absence of lone pair in PH 4 there is no lone pair-bond pair repulsion. Hence, the bond angle
in PH 3
H

P P

H H H H
H H

PH4 PH 3

Question 8:
What happens when white phosphorus is heated with concentrated NaOH solution in an inert
atmosphere of CO2 ?

Solution 8:
White phosphorous dissolves in boiling NaOH solution (in a CO2 atmosphere) to give
phosphine, PH 3
P4  3 NaOH  3H 2O  PH 3  3NaH 2 PO2
phosphine Sodium hypophosphine

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
p-Block elements

Question 9:
What happens when PCl5 is heated?

Solution 9:
All the bonds that are present in PCl5 , are not similar. It has three equatorial and two axial
bonds. The equatorial bonds are stronger than the axial ones. Therefore, when PCl5 , is heated
strongly, it decomposes to form PCl3
PCl5 heat PCl
3  Cl3

Question 10:
Write a balanced equation for the hydrolytic reaction of PCl5 , in heavy water.

Solution 10:
PCl5  D2O  POCl3  2 DCl2
POCl3  3D3O  D3 PO4  3DCl
Therefore, the net reaction can be written as
POCl5  4 D3O  D3 PO4  5DCl

Question 11:
What is the basicity of H 3 PO4 ?

Solution 11:
H 3 PO4
O

H3PO4 = P

HO OH
OH

Since there are three OH groups present in, H 3 PO4 its basicity is three i.e., it is a tribasic acid.

Question 12:
What happens when H 3 PO3 is heated?

Solution 12:

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H 3 PO3 , on heating, undergoes disproportionation reaction to form PH 3 and H 3 PO4 . The

oxidation numbers of P in H 3 PO3 PH 3 , and H 3 PO4 are +3, -3, and +5 respectively. As the
oxidation number of the same element is decreasing and increasing during a particular reaction,
the reaction is a disproportionation reaction.

4 H 3 PO3 

3H 3 PO4  PH 3
Orthophosphorous acid Orthophosphoric acid Phosphine
( 3) ( 5) ( 3)

Question 13:
List the important sources of sulphur.

Solution 13:
Sulphur mainly exists in combined form in the earth’s Crust primarily as sulphates [gypsum
(CaSO4 , 2 H 2O) , Epsom salt ( MgSO4 , 7 H 2O) , baryte BaSO4 and sulphides [(galena ( PbS ) , zinc
blends ( ZnS ) , copper pyrites (CuFeS 2 ) ].

Question 14:
Write the order of thermal stability of the hydrides of Group 16 elements.

Solution 14:
The thermal stability of hydrides decreases on moving down the group. This is due to a decrease
in the bond dissociation enthalpy (H-E) of hydrides on moving down the group.
Therefore,
H 2O
H2S Thermal stability
H2Se decreases
H2Te
H2Po

Question 15:
Why is H 2O a liquid and H 2 S a gas?

Solution 15:
H 2O has oxygen as the central atom. Oxygen has smaller size and electronegativity as compared
to sulphur. Therefore, there is extensive hydrogen bonding in H 2O , which is absent in H 2 S
Molecules of H 2 S are held together only by weak van der Waal’s forces of attraction. Hence,
H 2O exists as a liquid while H2S as a solid.

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
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Question 16:
Which of the following does not react with oxygen directly?

Zn, Ti, Pt, Fe

Solution 16:
Pt is a noble metal and does not react very easily. All other elements, Zn, Ti, Fe, are quite
reactive. Hence, oxygen does not react with platinum (Pt) directly.

Question 17:
Complete the following reactions
(i) C2 H 4  O2 
(ii) AAl  3O2 

Solution 17:
C2 H 4  3O4  2CO2  2 H 2O
(i) Ethene Oxygen Corbondioxide Water

4 Al  3O4  2 Al2O3
(ii) Aluminum Oxygen Alumina

Question 18:
Why does O3 act as a powerful oxidizing agent?

Solution 18:
Ozone is not a very stable compound under normal conditions and decomposes readily on
heating to give a molecule of oxygen and nascent oxygen. Nascent oxygen, being a free radical,
is very reactive.
O3   O 
2 O 
Ozone Oxygen Nazcent Oxygen

Therefore, ozone acts as a powerful oxidizing agent

Question 19:
How is O3 estimated quantitatively?

Solution 19:
Quantitatively, ozone can be estimated with the help of potassium iodide. When ozone is made
to react with potassium iodide solution buffered with a borate buffer  pH 9.2 , iodine is
liberated. This liberated iodine can be titrated against a standard solution of sodium thiosulphate.
using starch as an indicator. The reactions involved in the process are given below.

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
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2 I   O3  2OH   I 2  O2
Iodide Ozone Iodine

I 2  2 Na2 S2O2  Na2 S2O6  2 NaI

Sodium Sodium
thiosulphate tetr athionate

Question 20:
What happens when sulphur dioxide is passed through an aqueous solution of Fe( III )

Solution 20:
SO2 acts as a reducing agent when passed through an aqueous solution containing Fe( III ) salt. It
reduces Fe( III ) to Fe( II ) i.e., ferric ions to ferrous ions.
2 Fe3  SO2  2 H 2O  2 Fe 2  SO42  4

Question 21:
Comment on the nature of two S-O bonds formed in SO2 molecule. Are the two S-O bonds in
this molecule equal?

Solution 21:
The electronic configuration of S is 1s 2 2s 2 2 p 2 3s 2 3 p 4
During the formation of SO2 , one electron from 3p orbital goes to the 3d orbital and S
undergoes sp 2 hybridization. Two of these orbitals form sigma bonds with two oxygen atoms
and the third contains a lone pair. P-orbital and d-orbital contain an unpaired electron each. One
of these electrons forms ppi- ppi bond with one oxygen atom and the other forms ppi- dpi bond
with the other molecule. This is the reason SO2 has a bent structure. Also, it is a resonance
hybrid of structures I and II.

Both S-O bonds are equal in length (143 pm) and have a multiple bond character.

Question 22:
How is the presence of SO2 detected?

Solution 22:

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
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SO2 is a colourless and pungent smelling gas.

It can be detected with the help of potassium permanganate solution. When SO2 is passed
through an acidified potassium permanganate solution, it decolonizes the solution.as it reduces
MnO 4 ions to Mn2 ions.
5SO2  2MnO4  2 H 2 O  5SO42  4 H   2 Mn 2

Question 23:
Mention three areas in which H 2 SO4 plays an important role?

Solution 23:
Sulphuric acid is an important industrial chemical and is used for a lot of purposes. Some
important uses of sulphuric acid are given below.
(i) It is used in fertilizer industry. It is used to make various fertilizers such as ammonium
sulphate and calcium super phosphate.
(ii) It is used in the manufacture of pigments, paints, and detergents.
(iii) It is used in the manufacture of storage batteries.

Question 24:
Write the conditions to maximize the yield of H 2 SO4 by Contact process.

Solution 24:
Manufacture of sulphuric acid by Contact process involves three steps.
1. Burning of ores to form SO2
2. Conversion of SO2 to SO3 by the reaction of the former
(V2O5 s used in this process as a catalyst.)
3.Absorption of SO3 in H 2 SO4 to give oleum ( H 2 S 2O7 )
The key step in this process is the second step. In this step, two moles of gaseous reactants
combine to give one mole of gaseous product. Also, this reaction is exothermic. Thus, in
accordance with Le Chatelier’s principle, to obtain the maximum amount of SO3 gas,
temperature should be low and pressure should be high.

Question 25:
Why is K a 2  K a1 for H 2 SO4 in water?

Solution 25:

H2 SO4( aq)  H2O(l )  H3Oaq  HSO4 ; Ka1  10
HSO4  H2O(l )  H3O(aq)  SO4( aq) ; Ka 2  1.2 102

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
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It can be noticed that K a1  K a 2 This is because a neutral H 2 SO4 has a much higher tendency to
lose a proton than the negatively charged HSO4 . Thus, the former is a much stronger acid than
the latter.

Question 26:
Considering the parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and
hydration enthalpy, compare the oxidizing power of F2 and Cl2

Solution 26:
Fluorine is a much stronger oxidizing agent than chlorine. The oxidizing power depends on three
factors.
1. Bond dissociation energy
2. Electron gain enthalpy
3. Hydration enthalpy
The electron gain enthalpy of chlorine is more negative than that of fluorine However, the bond
dissociation energy of fluorine is much lesser than that of chlorine Also, because of its small
size, the hydration energy of fluorine is much higher than that of chlorine Therefore, the latter
two factors more than compensate for the less negative electron gain enthalpy of fluorine. Thus,
fluorine is a much stronger oxidizing agent than chlorine.

Question 27:
Give two examples to show the anomalous behaviour of fluorine.

Solution 27:
Anomalous behaviour of fluorine
(i) It forms only one oxoacid as compared to other halogens that form a number of oxoacids.
(ii) Ionization enthalpy, electronegativity. And electrode potential of fluorine are much higher
than expected.

Question 28:
Sea is the greatest source of some halogens. Comment.

Solution 28:
Sea water contains chlorides, bromides, and iodides of Na, K, Mg, and Ca. However, it primarily
contains NaCl. The deposits of dried up sea beds contain sodium chloride and carnallite,
KCl , MgCl2 , 6 H 2O. . Marine life also contains iodine in their systems. For example, sea weeds
contain up-to 0.5% iodine as sodium iodide. Thus, sea is the greatest source of halogens.

Question 29:
Give the reason for bleaching action of Cl2

Solution 29:

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
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When chlorine reacts with water, it produces nascent oxygen. This nascent oxygen then
combines with the coloured substances present in the organic matter to oxide them into
colourless substances.
Cl2  H2  2HCl  O
Coloured substances + [O]  Oxidized colourless substance

Question 30:
Name two poisonous gases which can be prepared from chlorine gas.

Solution 30:
Two poisonous gases that can be prepared from chlorine gas are
(i) Phosgene  COCl2 
(ii) Mustard gas  ClCH2CH2 SCH2CH2Cl 

Question 31:
Why is ICl more reactive than I2 ?
Solution 31:
ICl is more reactive than I2 because I-CI bond in ICl is weaker than I-I bond in I2 .

Question 32:
Why is helium used in diving apparatus?

Solution 32:
Air contains a large amount of nitrogen and the solubility of gases in liquids increases with
increase in pressure. When sea divers dive deep into the sea, large amount of nitrogen dissolves
in their blood. When they come back to the surface, solubility of nitrogen decreases and it
separates from the blood and forms small air bubbles. This leads to a dangerous medical
condition called bends. Therefore, air in oxygen cylinders used for diving is diluted with helium
gas. This is done as He is sparingly less soluble in blood.

Question 33:
Balance the following equation: XeF6  H 2O  XeO2 F2  HF

Solution 33:
Balanced equation
XeF6  H 2O  XeO2 F2  4 HF

Question 34:
Why has it been difficult to study the chemistry of radon?

Solution 34:

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Class XII – NCERT – Chemistry Chapter 7
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It is difficult to study the chemistry of radon because it is a radioactive substance having a half-
life of only 3.82 days, compounds of radon such as RnF2 have not been isolated. They have only
been identified.

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