The s-Block Elements

• General Electronic Configuration of s-Block Elements

For alkali metals [noble gas] ns1
For alkaline earth metals [noble gas] ns2
• Group 1 Elements: Alkali metals
Electronic Configuration, ns1, where n represents the valence shell.
These elements are called alkali metals because they readily dissolve in water to form
soluble hydroxides, which are strongly alkaline in nature.

• Atomic and Ionic Radii

Atomic and ionic radii of alkali metals increase on moving down the group i.e., they
increase in size going from Li to Cs. Alkali metals form monovalent cations by losing one
valence electron. Thus cationic radius is less as compared to the parent atom.
• Ionization Enthalpy
The ionization enthalpies of the alkali metals are generally low and decrease down the
group from Li to Cs.
Reason: Since alkali metals possess large atomic sizes as a result of which the valence
/s-electron (ns1) can be easly removed. These values decrease down the group because of
decrease in the magnitude of the force of attraction with the nucleus on account of
increased atomic radii and screening effect.
• Hydration Enthalpy
Smaller the size of the ion, more is its tendency to get hydrated hence more is the hydration
enthalpy.Hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions decrease with increase in ionic sizes.
Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+
• Physical Properties
(i) All the alkali metals are silvery white, soft and light metals.
(ii) They have generally low dens—-ity which increases down the group.
(iii) They impart color to an oxidizing flame. This is because the heat from the flame
excites the outermost orbital electron to a higher energy level. When the excited
electron comes back to the ground state, there is emission of radiation in the visible
 Region.
• Chemical Properties of Alkali Metals
(i) Reaction with air:
When exposed to air surface of the alkali metals get tarnished due the formation of
oxides and hydroxides.
Alkali metals combine with oxygen upon heating to form different oxides depending
upon their nature.

(ii) Reaction with water:

Alkali metals react with water to form hydroxide and dihydrogen

(iii) Reaction with hydrogen:

The alkali metals combine with hydrogen at about 673 K (lithium at 1073 K) to form
hydrides.
2M + H2 ————-> 2M+
The ionic character of hydrides increases from Li to Cs.
(iv) Reaction with halogens:
Alkali metals combine with halogens directly to form metal halides.
2M + X2————–> 2MX
They have high melting and boiling points.
Order of reactivity of M:

(v) Reducing nature:

The alkali metals are strong reducing agents. In aqueous solution it has been observed
that the reducing character of alkali metals follows the sequence Na < K < Rb < Cs < Li, Li
is the strongest while sodium is least powerful reducing agent. This can be explained in
terms of electrode potentials (E°). Since the electrode potential of Li is the lowest. Thus Li is
the strongest reducing agent.
(vi) Solubility in liquid ammonia:
The alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia to give deep blue solution. The solution
is conducting in nature.
M+ (x + y) NH3 ———-> [M (NH3) X]+ + [e (NH3) y]–
When light falls on the ammoniated electrons, they absorb energy corresponding to
red colour and the light which emits from it has blue colour. In concentrated solution colour
changes from blue to bronze. The blue solutions are paramagnetic while the concentrated
solutions are diamagnetic.
• Uses of Alkali Metals–
Uses of Lithium
(i) Lithium is used as deoxidiser in the purification of copper and nickel.
(ii) Lithium is used to make both primary and secondary batteries.
(iii) Lithium hydride is used as source of hydrogen for meteorological purposes.
(iv) Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) is a good reducing agent.
(v) Lithium carbonate is used in making glass.
Uses of Sodium
(i) Used as sodium amalgum in laboratory (synthesis of organic compounds).
(ii) Sodium is used in sodium vapour lamp.
(iii) In molten state, it is used in nuclear reactors.
(iv) An alloy of sodium-potassium is used in high temperature thermometres.
Uses of Potassium
(i) Salts of potassium are used in fertilizers.
(ii) Used as reducing agent.
Uses of Cesium
(i) In rocket propellent
(ii) In photographic cells.
• Group 2 Elements: Alkaline Earth Metals
Alkaline Earth Metals: They were named alkaline earth metals since they were alkaline in
nature like alkali metals oxides and they were found in the earth’s crust.
Example, Be (Beryllium), Ca, Mg, Sr etc.
• Electronic Configuration
Their general electronic configuration is represented as [noble gas] ns2

• Atomic and Ionic Radii

Atomic and ionic radii of alkaline earth metals one comparatively smaller than alkali
metals. Within the group atomic and ionic radii increases with the increase in atomic
number. Reason: Because these elements have only two valence electrons and the
magnitude of the force of attraction with the nucleus is quite small.
• Ionization Enthalpies
These metals also have low ionization enthalpies due to fairly large size of atoms. As the
atomic sizes increase down the group ionization enthalpies are expected to decrease in the
same manner.
Due to their small size in comparison to alkali metals first ionization enthalpies of alkaline
earth metals is higher than that of alkali metals.
• Hydration Enthalpies
The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger than those of the alkali
metals. Thus alkaline earth metals have more tendency to become hydrate. The hydration
enthalpies decreases down the group since the cationic size increases.
Be2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+
Metallic character: They have strong metallic bonds as compared to the alkali metals in the
same period. This is due to the smaller kernel size of alkaline earth metal and two valence
electrons present in the outermost shell.
• Physical Properties
(i) They are harder than alkali metals.
(ii) M.P and B.P are higher than the corresponding alkali metals due to their small size.
(iii) The electropositive character increases down the group.
(iv) Except Be and Mg, all these metals impart characteristic colour to the flame.
(v) The alkaline earth metals possess high thermal and electrical conductivity.
• Chemical Properties
1. Reaction with oxygen. Beryllium and magnesium are kinetically inert to oxygen
because of the formation of a thin film of oxide on their surface.
Reactivity towards oxygen increases as going down the group.
2. Reaction with water. Since these metals are less electropositive than alkali metals,
they are less reactive towards water.
Magnesium reacts with boiling water or steam. Rest of the members reacts even with
cold water.
Mg + 2H20 ——-> Mg(OH)2 + H2
Ca + 2H20 ————> Ca(OH)2 + H2
3. Reaction with halogens. They combine with the halogens at appropriate temperature
to form corresponding halides MX2.
M + X2 ——–> MX2 (X = F, Cl, Br, I)
Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2 BeF4is used for the preparation of BeF2.
4. Reaction with hydrogen. These metals except Be combine with hydrogen directly
upon heating to form metal hydrides.

• General Characteristics of Compounds of Alkaline Earth Metals

Oxides and Hydroxides
(i) The alkaline earth metals bum in oxygen to form MO (monoxide).
(ii) These oxides are very stable to heat.
(iii) BeO is amphoteric in nature while oxides of other elements are ionic.
(iv) Exept BeO, they are basic in nature and react with water to form sparingly soluble
Hydroxides.
MO + H2O ———-> M(OH)2
(v) Hydroxides of alkaline earth metals are less stable and less basic than alkali metal
Hydroxides.
(vi) Beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric in nature.
Halides
The alkaline earth metals combine directly with halogens at appropriate temperatures
forming halides, MX2.
They can also be prepared by the action of halogen acids (HX) on metals, metal oxides,
metal hydroxides.
M + 2HX ——-> MX2 + H2
MO + 2HX ——> MX2 + H20
M (OH)2 + 2HX —–> MX2 + 2H20
(i) Except beryllium halides, all other halides of alkaline earth metals are ionic in nature.
(ii) Except BeCl2 and MgCl2 other chloride of alkaline earth metals impart characteristic
colours to flame.

(iii) The tendency to form halide hydrates decreases down the group.
For example, (MgCl2– 8 H20, CaCl2– 6 H20, SrCl2– 6 H20, BaCl2– 2 H2O)
(iv) BeCl2 has a chain structure in the solid phase as shown below.

In vapour phase the compound exist as a dimer which decomposes at about 1000K to give
monomer in which Be atom is in sp hybridisation state.

Sulphates
(i) The sulphates of alkaline earth metals are white solids and quite stable to heat.
(ii) BeS04 and MgS04 are readily soluble in water. Solubility decreases from BeS04 to
BaS04.
Reason. Due to greater hydration enthalpies of Be2+ ions and Mg2+ ions they overcome the
lattice enthalpy factor. Their sulphates are soluble in water.

Carbonates
Carbonates of alkaline earth metals are thermally unstable and decompose on heating.

• Some Important Compounds of Calcium

Uses:
(i) In the manufacture of cement, sodium carbonate, calcium carbide etc.
(ii) Used in the purification of sugar.
(iii) In the manufacture of dye stuffs.
Uses:
(i) It is used in the manufacturing of building material.
(ii) Used in white-wash as a disinfectant.
(iii) Used to detect C02 gas in the laboratory.

(iii) Calcium Carbonate or Limestone (CaC03)

Preparation: Calcium carbonate occurs in nature in different forms like limestone, marble,
chalk etc. It can be prepared by passing C02 through slaked lime in limited amount.
Ca(OH)2 + C02 ———> CaC03 + H20
It can also prepared by the reaction of a solution of sodium carbonate with calcium
chloride.
CaCl2 + Na2C03 ————> CaC03 + 2NaCl

Uses:
(i) In the manufacturing of Quick Lime.
(ii) With MgC03 used as flux in the extraction of metals.
(iii) Used as an antacid.
(iv) In the manufacture of high quality paper.

(iv) Calcium Sulphate (Plaster of Paris) CaS04-1/2H20

Preparation: It is obtained when gypsum CaS04– 2 H20 is heated to 393 K
2(CaS04-2H20) ———-> 2(CaS04) . H20 + 3H20
Above 393 K anhydrous CaS04 is formed, which is called ‘dead burnt plaster’.
Properties:
(i) It is a white atmosphous powder.
(ii) When it is mixed in adequate quantity of water it forms a plastic hard mass within 15
Minutes.
Uses:
(i) Commonly used in making pottery, ceramics etc.
(ii) Used in the surgical bandages for setting the fractured bone or sprain.
(iii) For making statues, ornamental work, decorative material etc.
(v) Cement
Preparation: Prepared by combining a material rich in CaO with other material such as
clay, which contains Si02 along with the oxides of aluminium, iron and magnesium.
Important Ingredients of portland cement:
(Ca2Si04) dicalcium silicate 26%
(Ca2SiO4) Tricalcium silicate 51%
(Ca3Al206) Tricalcium Aluminate 11%
Uses:
In plastering and in construction purposes.
• s-block elements constitute Group I and II elements.
• General electronic configuration of
Group I = [Noble gas] ns1
Group II = [Noble gas] ns2
• Diagonal Relationship

The first three elements of second period (Li, Be, B) show diagonal similarity with the
elements (Mg, Al, Si) of third period. Such similarities are termed as diagonal relationship.
• The alkali metals are silvery-white soft metals. They are highly reactive. Their aqueous
solutions are strongly alkaline in nature. Their atomic and ionic sizes increase on moving
down the group and ionization enthalpies decrease systematically down the group.
• Alkaline earth metals. They are much similar to alkali metals but due to small size some
differences are there. Their oxides and hydroxides are less basic than the alkali metals.
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is prepared by the electrolysis of aq NaCl in Castner- Kellner
cell.
Slaked lime Ca(OH)2 is formed by the action of quick lime on water.
• Gypsum is CaS04. 2 H20. On heating upto 390 K CaS04/2H20 (plaster of paris) is formed.
1. Which of the following alkali metal is highly radioactive?
(a) Rubidium (b) Caesium
(c) Francium (d) Both (a) and ©
2. Which of the following statements is not correct for alkali metals?
(a) Alkali metals are the most electropositive metals.
(b) Alkali metals exist in free state in nature.
(c) These metals have the largest size in a particular period of the periodic table.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
3. Which of the following has largest size ?
(a) Na (b) Na+ (c) Na– (d) Can’t be predicted
4. Ionization potential of Na would be numerically the same as
(a) electron affinity of Na+ (b) electronegativity of Na+
(c) electron affinity of He (d) ionization potential of Mg
5. Which one of the following properties of alkali metals increases in magnitude as the
atomic number rises ?
(a) Ionic radius (b) Melting point
(c) Electronegativity (d) First ionization energy.
6. Which of the following has density greater than water?
(a) Li (b) Na (c) K (d) Rb
7. The elements of group 1 provide a colour to the flame of Bunsen burner due to
(a) low ionization potential (b) low melting point
(c) softness (d) presence of one electron in the outermost orbit
8. The metal that produces red-violet colour in the non- luminous flame is
(a) Ba (b) Ag (c) Rb (d) Pb
9. In the case of the alkali metals
(a) the cation is less stable than the atom
(b) the cation is smaller than the atom
(c) the cation and the atom have about the same size
(d) the cation is larger than the atom
10. The element which on burning in air gives peroxide is
(a)lithium (b) sodium (c) rubidium (d) caesium
11. Which hydride is most stable
(a)NaH (b) KH (c) CsH (d) LiH
12. What is the colour of solution of alkali metals in liquid ammonia?
(a) Bronze (b) Blue (c) Green (d) Violet
13. Which hydride is most stable
(a) NaH (b) KH (c) CsH (d) LiH
14. The most stable compound is
(a) LiF (b) LiCl (c) LiBr (d) LiI
15. On heating anhydrous Na2CO3,....... is evolved
(a) CO2 (b) water vapour (c) CO (d) no gas
16. Which is manufactured by electrolysis of fused NaCl ?
(a) NaOH (b) Na (c) NaClO (d) NaClO3.
17. Baking soda is
(a) NaHCO3 (b) K2CO3 (c) Na2CO3 (d) NaOH
18. Which of the following is non-metallic?
(a) B (b) Be (c) Mg (d) Al
19. Electronic configuration of calcium atom may be written as
(a) [Ne], 4p2 (b) [Ar], 4s2 (c) [Ne], 4s2 (d) [Ar], 4p2
20. Which of the following atoms will have the smallest size?
(a) Mg (b) Na (c) Be (d) Li
21. The first ionization energy of magnesium is lower than the first ionization energy of
(a) Lithium (b) Sodium (c) Calcium (d) Beryllium
22. The first ionization energies of alkaline earth metals are higher than those of alkali
metals. This is because
(a) there is no change in the nuclear charge
(b) there is decrease in the nuclear charge of alkaline earth metals
(c) there is increase in the nuclear charge of alkaline earth metals
(d) none of these
23. The most electropositive amongst the alkaline earth metals is
(a) beryllium (b) magnesium (c) calcium (d) barium
24. Following are colours shown by some alkaline earth metals in flame test. Which of the
 following are not correctly matched?
Metal Colour
(i) Calcium Apple green
(ii) Strontium Crimson
(iii) Barium Brick red
(a) (i) and (iii) (b) (i) only
(c) (ii) only (d) (ii) and (iii)
25. Alkaline earth metals are
(a) reducing agent (b) amphoteric
(c) dehydrating agent (d) oxidizing agent
26. The oxidation state shown by alkaline earth metals is
(a) +2 (b) +1, +2 (c) –2 (d) –1, –2
27. The order of solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals in water is
(a) Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
(b) Mg > Be >> Ba > Ca > Sr
(c) Be > Ca > Mg > Ba >> Sr
(d) Mg > Ca > Ba >> Be > Sr
28. In which of the following the hydration energy is higher than the lattice energy?
(a) MgSO4 (b) RaSO4
(c) SrSO4 (d) BaSO4
29. Bone ash contains
(a)CaO (b) CaSO4 (c) Ca3 (PO4)2 (d) Ca(H2PO4)2
30. Mortar is a mixture of
(a) CaCO3, sand and water (b) slaked lime and water
(c) slaked lime, sand and water (d) CaCO3 and CaO
40. Match the columns
Column-I Colum-II
(A) Quick lime (p) Ca(OH)2
(B) Slaked lime (q) CaO
(C) Bleaching powder (r) Ca(OCl)2
(D) Plaster of Paris (s) CaSO4, H2O

(a) A-(p), B-(q), C-(r), D-(s) (b) A-(s), B-(r), C-(q), D-(p)
(c) A-(q), B-(p), C-(r), D-(s) (d) A-(q), B-(p), C-(s), D-(r)
41. Assertion : Radium is most abundant s-block element.
Reason : s-block elements are non-radioactive in nature.
(a)Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is a correct explanation for assertion.
(b)Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is not a correct explanation for
Assertion
(c)Assertion is correct, reason is incorrect
(dAssertion is incorrect, reason is correct.
42. Assertion: Lithium salts are mostly hydrated.
Reason : The hydration enthalpy of alkali metal ions decreases with increase in ionic
Sizes.
(a) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is a correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is not a correct explanation for
Assertion
(c) Assertion is correct, reason is incorrect
(d) Assertion is incorrect, reason is correct.

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