Solved Examples on s-Block Elements:

Question.1 The compound(s) formed upon combustion of sodium metal in excess air is (are) [IIT JEE ]

a) Na₂O₂

b) Na₂O

c) NaO₂

d) NaOH

Answer: a & b.

Solution:  Na burns in oxygen to form sodium oxide (Na₂O) which further absorbs oxygen to form sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂). So, Na₂O and Na₂O₂ are formed when Na metals burns in excess of oxygen.

Question.2  STATEMENT-1: Alkali metals dissolves in liquid ammonia to give blue solution because  

 STATEMENT-2: Alkali metals in liquid ammonia give solvated species of the type [M(NH3)_n]⁺ (M = alkali metals).  [IIT JEE ]

a) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1

b) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1

c) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False

d) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True

Answer:  b

Solution: Alkali metals dissolves in liquid ammonia to give solvated complex ion  [M(NH₃)_n]⁺  and  solvated electrons. The solvated electrons provide deep blue colour to the solution.

Hence, the correct option is b.

Question. 3 The set of representing the correct order of first ionization potential is [IIT JEE]

a) K > Na  > Li

b) Be > Mg > Ca

c) B > C > N

d) Ge > Si > C

Answer:  b

Solution: The first ionization energy of  elements of same group decreases down the group due to increase in the size to atom because of which the effective nuclear charge on the outermost electron decreases and it requires less energy to remove it from the shell. Be , Mg  &  Ca are all alkali earth metals and are the member of 2^nd group of modern periodic table. Order of atomic radii for these elements is Be < Mg < Ca. So the order of first ionization potential would be Be > Mg > Ca.

Hence, the correct option is b.