Question

Identify the correct statements about p-block elements and their compounds.
(A) Non metals have higher electronegativity than metals.
(B) Non metals have lower ionisation enthalpy than metals.
(C) Compounds formed between highly reactive nonmetals and highly reactive metals are generally ionic.
(D) The non-metal oxides are generally basic in nature.
(E) The metal oxides are generally acidic or neutral in nature.

• (D) and (E) only
• (A) and (C) only
• (B) and (E) only
• (B) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To identify accurate statements regarding p-block elements and their compounds, each assertion is assessed using chemical principles:

1. (A) Non-metals exhibit higher electronegativity than metals.
   \(\text{Electronegativity}\, is\, a\, measure\, of\, an\, atom's\, ability\, to\, attract\, and\, bond\, with\, electrons.\) This is generally true; non-metals possess greater electronegativity because they tend to acquire electrons, forming anions. This statement is correct.
2. (B) Non-metals possess lower ionisation enthalpy compared to metals.
   Ionisation enthalpy represents the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom. Non-metals, which hold their electrons more tenaciously than metals, typically have higher ionisation enthalpies. Consequently, this statement is incorrect.
3. (C) Compounds formed between highly reactive nonmetals and highly reactive metals are generally ionic.
   Examples like sodium chloride (NaCl) demonstrate this, where a highly reactive metal (e.g., sodium) donates an electron to a highly reactive non-metal (e.g., chlorine), establishing an ionic bond. This statement is correct.
4. (D) Non-metal oxides are predominantly basic in nature.
   Oxides of non-metals, such as CO\(_2\) and SO\(_2\), are typically acidic or neutral, not basic. This statement is incorrect.
5. (E) Metal oxides are predominantly acidic or neutral in nature.
   Oxides of metals, like \( \text{CaO} \) or \( \text{Na}_2\text{O} \), are predominantly basic, with few exceptions, rather than acidic or neutral. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Based on this analysis, the correct statements are (A) and (C). The corresponding correct answer option is:

(A) and (C) only