Question

Which one of the following elements is represented as Eka-silicon in Mendeleev's periodic table?

• A. Gallium
• B. Germanium
• C. Aluminium
• D. Tin
• E. Arsenic

Hint:

Mendeleev's periodic table had gaps for undiscovered elements. Eka-silicon was one such gap, which was later filled by the discovery of germanium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When Dmitri Mendeleev formulated his periodic table, he recognized that some elements were missing based on the periodic trends.
He left gaps for these undiscovered elements and predicted their chemical and physical properties based on their expected positions.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The approach is to recall the historical context of Mendeleev's periodic table and the specific names he assigned to undiscovered elements.
He used the Sanskrit prefix "Eka" (meaning one) to name the missing element after the known element directly above it.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Mendeleev predicted the existence of an element that would fit below Silicon in Group 14.
He tentatively named it 'Eka-silicon', meaning it would be the first element under Silicon and share similar properties.
When the element Germanium (Ge) was eventually discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler, its properties perfectly matched Mendeleev's predictions for Eka-silicon.
For context with other options, 'Eka-aluminium' was the predicted name for Gallium, and 'Eka-boron' was the predicted name for Scandium.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Germanium is the element that was historically represented as Eka-silicon in Mendeleev's periodic table.