1

LAKSHYA JEE AIR (2025)

S-Block DPP-01

1. Which one of the following ions has the largest 6. Which one of the following alkali metals is the
size in aqueous solution? most metallic:
(A) Rb+ (B) Na+ (A) Li (B) Na
(C) K+ (D) Li+ (C) K (D) Cs

2. Which among the following is the strongest 7. The strongest reducing agent of the alkali metal
reducing agent? in solution is:
(A) K (B) Na (A) Li (B) Na
(C) Al (D) Mg
(C) K (D) Cs

3. Sodium chloride gives a golden yellow colour to

8. With the increase in atomic weights, melting
the bunsen flame, which is due to:
points of the alkali metals:
(A) Sublimation of metallic sodium to give
yellow vapour. (A) Increase
(B) Photosensitivity of sodium. (B) Decrease
(C) Low ionization potential of sodium. (C) Remain constant
(D) Emission of excess of energy absorbed as a (D) Do not show definite trend
radiation in the visible region.
9. The reaction of water with sodium and potassium
4. Which of the following oxides is the most basic is:
in nature?
(A) Exothermic
(A) Na2O
(B) Endothermic
(B) BeO
(C) Reversible
(C) Li2O
(D) Irreversible and endothermic
(D) H2O

10. Characteristic feature of alkali metals is:

5. The correct increasing order of densities of alkali
metals is: (A) Good conductor of heat and electricity.
(A) Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs (B) High melting points.
(B) Cs < Rb < K < Na < Li (C) Low oxidation potentials.
(C) Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs (D) High ionization potentials.
(D) K < Na < Li < Rb < Cs
 2

Answer Key
1. (D) 6. (D)
2. (A) 7. (A)
3. (D) 8. (B)
4. (A) 9. (A)
5. (C) 10. (A)

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 s-Block Elements
EXERCISE #1
Question Bank on s-block elements
1. The reaction of an element A with water produces combustible gas B and an aqueous solution of C.
When another substance D reacts with this solution C also produces the same gas B. D also produces the
same gas even on reaction with dilute H2SO4 at room temperature. Element A imparts golden yellow
colour to Bunsen flame. Then, A, B, C and D may be identified as
(A) Na, H2, NaOH and Zn (B) K, H2, KOH and Zn
(C) K, H2, NaOH and Zn (D) Ca, H2, CaCOH2 and Zn

2. The hydroxide of alkaline earth metal, which has the lowest value of solubility product (K sp) at normal
temperature (25°C) is
(A) Ca(OH)2 (B) Mg(OH)2 (C) Sr(OH)2 (D) Be(OH)2

+
3. (Yellow ppt)T ⎯⎯⎯⎯
K2CrO4 /H
⎯ X ⎯⎯⎯→
dil.HCl
Y(Yellow ppt) + Z  (pungentsmellinggas)
If X gives green flame test. Then, X is
(A) MgSO4 (B) BaS2O3 (C) CuSO4 (D) PbS2O3

4. The ‘milk of magnesia’ used as an antacid is chemically

(A) Mg(OH)2 (B) MgO (C) MgCl2 (D) MgO + MgCl2

5. The golden yellow colour associated with NaCl to Bunsen flame can be explained on the basis of
(A) low ionisation potential of sodium
(B) emission spectrum
(C) photosensitivity of sodium
(D) sublimation of metallic sodium of yellow vapours

6. The salt which finds uses in qualitative inorganic analysis is

(A) CuSO4·5H2O or ZnSO4·5H2O (B) K2SO4·Al2(SO4)3·24H2O
(C) Na(NH4)HPO4·4H2O (D) FeSO4·(NH4)2SO4·6H2O

7. The compound(s) which have –O–O– bond(s) is/are

(A) BaO2 (B) Na2O2 (C) CrO5 (D) Fe2O3

8. EDTA is used in the estimation of

(A) Mg2+ ions (B) Ca2+ ions
(C) both Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions (D) Mg2+ ions but not Ca2+ ions

9. Highly pure dilute solution of sodium in ammonia

(A) shows blue colouration due to solvated electrons
(B) shows electrical conductivity due to both solvated electrons as well as solvated sodium ions
(C) shows red colouration due to solvated electrons but a bad conductor of electricity
(D) produces hydrogen gas or carbonate

10. The complex formation tendency of alkaline earth metals decreases down the group because
(A) atomic size increases (B) availability of empty d and f-orbitals increases
(C) nuclear charge to volume ratio increases (D) all the above
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 s-Block Elements
11. The alkaline earth metals, which do not impart any colour to Bunsen flame are
(A) Be and Mg (B) Mg and Ca (C) Be and Ca (D) Be and Ba

 ,205ºC  ,120ºC
12. Y ⎯⎯⎯ ⎯ CaSO4·2H2O ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → X. X and Y are respectively
(A) plaster of paris, dead burnt plaster (B) dead burnt plaster, plaster of paris
(C) CaO and plaster of paris (D) plaster of paris, mixture of gases

13. A metal M readily forms water soluble sulphate, and water insoluble hydroxide M(OH) 2. Its oxide MO is
amphoteric, hard and having high melting point. The alkaline earth metal M must be
(A) Mg (B) Be (C) Ca (D) Sr

14. When K2O is added to water, the solution becomes basic in nature because it contains a significant
concentration of
(A) K+ (B) O2– (C) OH– (D) O22–

15. An aqueous solution of an halogen salt of potassium reacts with same halogen X 2 to give KX3, a brown
coloured solution, in which halogen exists as X3– ion, X2 as a Lewis acid and X– as a Lewis base, halogen
X is
(A) chlorine (B) bromine (C) iodine (D) fluorine

16. The correct order of basic-strength of oxides of alkaline earth metals is

(A) BeO > MgO > CaO > SrO (B) SrO > CaO > MgO > BeO
(C) BeO > CaO > MgO > SrO (D) SrO > MgO > CaO > BeO

N2 , 
17. X ⎯⎯⎯ → Y ⎯⎯⎯
H2 O
→ Z(colour gas) ⎯⎯⎯→
CuSO
T(blue colour)
4

Then, substances Y and T are

(A) Y = Mg3N2 and T = CuSO4·5H2O (B) Y = Mg3N2 and T = CuSO4·4NH3
(C) Y = Mg(NO3)2 and T = CuO (D) Y = MgO and T = CuSO4·4NH3

18. The aqueous solutions of lithium salts are poor conductor of electricity rather than other alkali metals
because of
(A) high ionisation energy
(B) high electronegativity
(C) lower ability of Li+ ions to polarize water molecules
(D) higher degree of hydration of Li+ ions

19. Which of the following substance(s) is/are used in laboratory for drying purposes?
(A) anhydrous P2O5 (B) graphite (C) anhydrous CaCl2 (D) Na3PO4

20. In LiAlH4, metal Al is present in

(A) anionic part (B) cationic part
(C) in both anionic and cationic part (D) neither in cationic nor in anionic part

21. X ⎯⎯⎯
CoCl2
→ CaCl2 + Y ; the effective ingredient of X is
(A) OCl– (B) Cl– (C) OCl+ (D) OCl2–

PHYSICS WALLAH 20
 s-Block Elements
22. Crown ethers and cryptands form
(A) complexes with alkali metals
(B) salts of alkali metals
(C) hydroxides of alkali metals used for inorganic quantitative analysis
(D) organic salts of alkali metals

23. White heavy precipitates are formed when BaCl2 is added to a clear solution of compound A. Precipitates
are insoluble in dilute HCl. Then, the compound A is
(A) a bicarbonate (B) a carbonate (C) a sulphate (D) a chloride

24. X + C + Cl2 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

High temperature
of about 1000 K
→ Y CO ; Y + 2H2O → Z + 2HCl
Compound Y is found in polymeric chain structure and is an electron deficient molecule. Y must be
(A) BeO (B) BeCl2 (C) BeH2 (D) AlCl3

25. BeCl2 + LiAlH4 ⎯→ X + LiCl + AlCl3

(A) X is LiH (B) X is BeH2 (C) X is BeCl2·2H2O (D) None

26. The order of thermal stability of carbonates of IIA group is

(A) BaCO3 > SrCO3 > CaCO3 > MgCO3 (B) MgCO3 > CaCO3 > SrCO3 > BaCO3
(C) CaCO3 > SrCO3 > BaCO3 > MgCO3 (D) MgCO3 = CaCO3 > SrCO3 = BaCO3

27. Na2SO4 is water soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble because

(A) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is higher than that of its lattice energy
(B) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is less than that of its lattice energy
(C) the hydration energy of BaSO4 is less than that of its lattice energy
(D) the hydration energy of BaSO4 is higher than that of its lattice energy

28. The commercial method of preparation of potassium by reduction of molten KCl with metallic sodium at
850°C is based on the fact that
(A) potassium is solid and sodium distils off at 850 °C
(B) potassium being more volatile and distils off thus shifting the reaction forward
(C) sodium is more reactive than potassium at 850 °C
(D) sodium has less affinity to chloride ions in the presence of potassium ion

29. MgBr2 and MgI2 are soluble in acetone because of

(A) Their ionic nature (B) Their coordinate nature
(C) Their metallic nature (D) Their covalent nature

30. Which of the following is not the characteristic of barium?

(A) It emits electrons on exposure to light
(B) It is a silvery white metal
(C) It forms Ba(NO3)2 which is used in preparation of green fire
(D) All of these

PHYSICS WALLAH 21
 s-Block Elements
Question No. 31 to 38
Questions given below consist of two statements each printed as Assertion (A) and Reason (R); while
answering these questions you are required to choose any one of the following four responses:
(A) if both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(B) if both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not correct explanation of (A)
(C) if (A) is true but (R) is false
(D) if (A) is false and (R) is true

31. Assertion: Beryllium does not impart any characteristic colour to the bunsen flame.
Reason: Due to its very high ionization energy, beryllium requires a large amount of energy for
exciation of the electrons.

32. Assertion: In fused state, calcium chloride cannot be used to dry alcohol or NH3.
Reason: Anhy. CaCl2 is not a good desiccant.

33. Assertion: Diagonal relationship is shown between Be and Al.

Reason: Ionization potential of Be is almost the same as that of Al.

34. Assertion: Beryllium halides dissolve in organic solvents.

Reason: Beryllium halides are ionic in character.

35. Assertion: BeCl2 fumes in moist air.

Reason: BeCl2 reacts with moisture to form HCl gas.

36. Assertion: Calcium carbide on hydrolysis gives methane.

Reason: Calcium carbide contains C22– anion.

37. Assertion: When CO2 is passed through lime water, it first turns milky and then the solution becomes
clear when the passage of CO2 is continued.
Reason: The milkiness is due to the formation of insoluble CaCO3 which then changes to
soluble Ca(HCO3)2 when excess of CO2 is present.

38. Assertion: MgCO3 is soluble in water when a current of CO2 is passed.

Reason: The solubility of MgCO3 is due to the formation of Mg(HCO3)2.

IIT JEE ASKED QUESTION

39. The compound(s) formed upon combustion of sodium metal in excess air is (are) [JEE 2009]
(A) Na2O2 (B) Na2O (C) NaO2 (D) NaOH

PHYSICS WALLAH 22
 s-Block Elements
EXERCISE #4 (NCERT EXEMPLAR)
1. The alkali metals are low melting. Which of the following alkali metal is expected to melt if the room
temperature rises to 30°C?
(A) Na (B) K (C) Rb D) Cs

2. Alkali metals react with water vigorously to form hydroxides and dihydrogen. Which of the following
alkali metals reacts with water least vigorously?
(A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Cs

3. The reducing power of a metal depends on various factors. Suggest the factor which makes Li, the
strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution.
(A) Sublimation enthalpy (B) Ionisation enthalpy
(C) Hydration enthalpy (D) Electron-gain enthalpy

4. Metal carbonates decompose on heating to give metal oxide and carbon dioxide. Which of the metal
carbonates is most stable thermally?
(A) MgCO3 (B) CaCO3 (C) SrCO3 (D) BaCO3

5. Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in CO2 atmosphere to avoid
decomposition.
(A) BeCO3 (B) MgCO3 (C) CaCO3 (D) BaCO3

6. Metals form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxide is the least basic?
(A) Mg(OH)2 (B) Ca(OH)2 (C) Sr(OH)2 (D) Ba(OH)2

7. Some of the Group 2 metal halides are covalent and soluble in organic solvents. Among the following
metal halides, the one which is soluble in ethanol is
(A) BeCl2 (B) MgCl2 (C) CaCl2 (D) SrCl2

8. The order of decreasing ionisation enthalpy in alkali metals is

(A) Na > Li > K > Rb (B) Rb < Na < K < Li
(C) Li > Na > K > Rb (D) K < Li < Na < Rb

9. The solubility of metal halides depends on their nature, lattice enthalpy and hydration enthalpy of the
individual ions. Amongst fluorides of alkali metals, the lowest solubility of LiF in water is due to
(A) Ionic nature of lithium fluoride
(B) High lattice enthalpy
(C) High hydration enthalpy for lithium ion.
(D) Low ionisation enthalpy of lithium atom

10. Amphoteric hydroxides react with both alkalies and acids. Which of the following Group 2 metal
hydroxides is soluble in sodium hydroxide?
(A) Be(OH)2 (B) Mg(OH)2 (C) Ca(OH)2 (D) Ba(OH)2

11. In the synthesis of sodium carbonate, the recovery of ammonia is done by treating NH4Cl with Ca(OH)2.
The by-product obtained in this process is
(A) CaCl2 (B) NaCl (C) NaOH (D) NaHCO3
PHYSICS WALLAH 34
 s-Block Elements
12. When sodium is dissolved in liquid ammonia, a solution of deep blue colour is obtained. The colour of
the solution is due to
(A) ammoniated electron (B) sodium ion
(C) sodium amide (D) ammoniated sodium ion

13. By adding gypsum to cement

(A) setting time of cement becomes less. (B) setting time of cement increases.
(C) colour of cement becomes light. (D) shining surface is obtained.

14. Dead burnt plaster is

(A) CaSO4 (B) CaSO4.4H2O (C) CaSO4.H2O (D) CaSO4.2H2O

15. Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as

(A) lime water (B) quick lime
(C) milk of lime (D) aqueous solution of slaked lime

16. Which of the following elements does not form hydride by direct heating with dihydrogen?
(A) Be (B) Mg (C) Sr (D) Ba

17. The formula of soda ash is

(A) Na2CO3.10H2O (B) Na2CO3.2H2O
(C) Na2CO3.H2O (D) Na2CO3

18. A substance which gives brick red flame and breaks down on heating to give oxygen and a brown gas is
(A) Magnesium nitrate (B) Calcium nitrate
(C) Barium nitrate (D) Strontium nitrate

19. Which of the following statements is true about Ca(OH)2?

(A) It is used in the preparation of bleaching powder
(B) It is a light blue solid
(C) It does not possess disinfectant property.
(D) It is used in the manufacture of cement.

20. A chemical A is used for the preparation of washing soda to recover ammonia. When CO2 is bubbled
through an aqueous solution of A, the solution turns milky. It is used in white washing due to disinfectant
nature. What is the chemical formula of A?
(A) Ca(HCO3)2 (B) CaO (C) Ca(OH)2 (D) CaCO3

21. Dehydration of hydrates of halides of calcium, barium and strontium i.e., CaCl 2.6H2O, BaCl2.2H2O,
SrCl2.2H2O, can be achieved by heating. These become wet on keeping in air. Which of the following
statements is correct about these halides?
(A) act as dehydrating agent
(B) can absorb moisture from air
(C) Tendency to form hydrate decreases from calcium to barium
(D) All of the above

PHYSICS WALLAH 35
 s-Block Elements
II. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-II)
In the following questions two or more options may be correct.
22. Metallic elements are described by their standard electrode potential, fusion enthalpy, atomic size, etc.
The alkali metals are characterised by which of the following properties?
(A) High boiling point (B) High negative standard electrode potential
(C) High density (D) Large atomic size

23. Several sodium compounds find use in industries. Which of the following compounds are used for textile
industry?
(A) Na2CO3 (B) NaHCO3 (C) NaOH (D) NaCl

24. Which of the following compounds are readily soluble in water?

(A) BeSO4 (B) MgSO4 (C) BaSO4 (D) SrSO4

25. When Zeolite, which is hydrated sodium aluminium silicate is treated with hard water, the sodium ions
are exchanged with which of the following ion(s)?
(A) H+ ions (B) Mg2+ ions (C) Ca2+ ions (D) SO42– ions

26. Identify the correct formula of halides of alkaline earth metals from the following.
(A) BaCl2.2H2O (B) BaCl2.4H2O (C) CaCl2.6H2O (D) SrCl2.4H2O

27. Choose the correct statements from the following.

(A) Beryllium is not readily attacked by acids because of the presence of an oxide film on the surface of
the metal.
(B) Beryllium sulphate is readily soluble in water as the greater hydration enthalpy of Be 2+ overcomes
the lattice enthalpy factor.
(C) Beryllium exhibits coordination number more than four.
(D) Beryllium oxide is purely acidic in nature.

28. Which of the following are the correct reasons for anomalous behaviour of lithium?
(A) Exceptionally small size of its atom (B) Its high polarising power
(C) It has high degree of hydration (D) Exceptionally low ionisation enthalpy

III. Short Answer Type

29. How do you account for the strong reducing power of lithium in aqueous solution?
30. When heated in air, the alkali metals form various oxides. Mention the oxides formed by Li, Na and K.
31. Complete the following reactions
(A) O22− + H2O ⎯→ (B) O−2 + H2O ⎯→
32. Lithium resembles magnesium in some of its properties. Mention two such properties and give reasons
for this resemblance.
33. Name an element from Group 2 which forms an amphoteric oxide and a water soluble sulphate.
34. Discuss the trend of the following:
(A) Thermal stability of carbonates of Group 2 elements.
(B) The solubility and the nature of oxides of Group 2 elements.
35. Why are BeSO4 and MgSO4 readily soluble in water while SrSO4 and BaSO4 are insoluble?
36. All compounds of alkali metals are easily soluble in water but lithium compounds are more soluble in
organic solvents. Explain.
PHYSICS WALLAH 36
 s-Block Elements
Answer Key
Do yourself – 1
1. (A) 2. (D) 3. (D) 4. (A)
5. (C)
Do yourself – 2
1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (D)

Do yourself – 3
1. (A, C) 2. (C) 3. (C) 4. (B)
5. (C)
Do yourself – 4
1. (A) 2. (B) 3. (A) 4. (D)
5. (A)

EXERCISE #1
1. (A) 2. (D) 3. (B) 4. (A)
5. (A) 6. (C) 7. (ABC) 8. (C)
9. (AB) 10. (A) 11. (A) 12. (A)
13. (B) 14. (C) 15. (C) 16. (B)
17. (B) 18. (D) 19. (AC) 20. (A)
21. (A) 22. (A) 23. (C) 24. (B)
25. (B) 26. (A) 27. (AC) 28. (B)
29. (D) 30. (A) 31. (A) 32. (C)
33. (A) 34. (C) 35. (A) 36. (D)
37. (A) 38. (A) 39. (AB)

EXERCISE #2 (JEE MAINS)

1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (A)
5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (C) 8. (A)
9. (D) 10. (B) 11. (A) 12. (A)
13. (C) 14. (B) 15. (A) 16. (B)
17. (D) 18. (A) 19. (D) 20. (A)
21. (B) 22. (C) 23. (D) 24. (B)
25. (D) 26. (A) 27. (B) 28. (D)
29. (C) 30. (A) 31. (A) 32. (C)
33. (A) 34. (C) 35. (A) 36. (B)
37. (B) 38. (C) 39. (B) 40. (C)
41. (D) 42. (A) 43. (D) 44. (C)
45. (B) 46. (D) 47. (B) 48. (A)
49. (A) 50. (C) 51. (D) 52. (A)
53. (D) 54. (B) 55. (B) 56. (C)
57. (C) 58. (D) 59. (A) 60. (D)
61. (D) 62. (2) 63. (4) 64. (D)
65. (A) 66. (C) 67. (B) 68. (C)
69. (C) 70. (B) 71. (A) 72. (A)
73. (B) 74. (B) 75. (C) 76. (C)
77. (3) 78. (C) 79. (C) 80. (D)

PHYSICS WALLAH 39
 s-Block Elements
EXERCISE #3 (JEE ADVANCE)
1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (A)
4. (i) Beryllium chloride is acidic, when dissolved in water because the hydrated ion hydrolysed
producing H3O+. This happens because the Be–O bond is very strong, and so in the hydrated ion this
weakens the O–H bonds, and hence there is tendency to lose portons.
BeCl2 + 4H2O ⎯→ [Be(H2O)4] Cl2 ; [Be(H2O)4]2+ + H2O ⎯→ [Be(H2O)3 (OH)]+ + H3O+
5. A = Ca(OH)2, B = NH4HCO3 , C = Na2CO3, D = NH4Cl, E = CaCl2

6. (i) Na2O2 is powerful oxidant and bleaching agent and bleaches red litmus paper to white in aqueous
solution according to the following reaction,
Na2O2 + 2H2O ⎯→ 2NaOH + H2O + [O]
[O] + Litmus ⎯→ White (bleaching)
(ii) The other compound Na2O will give NaOH on dissolution in water according to the following
reaction.
Na2O + H2O ⎯→ 2NaOH .
The red litmus will turn to blue due to stronger alkaline nature of NaOH.
7. (B)
8. Na2CO3 + SO2 ⎯⎯⎯
H2 O
→ 2NaHSO3 (A) + CO2
2NaHSO3 + Na2CO3 ⎯→ 2Na2SO3 (B) + H2O + CO2

Na2SO3 + S ⎯⎯ → Na2S2O3 (C)
2Na2S2O3 + I2 ⎯→ Na2S4O6 (D) + 2NaI
Oxidation states of S + 4 in NaHSO3 [1 + 1 + x + 3(–2) = 0] and
+4 in Na2SO3 [2 + x + 3(–2) = 0] ;
+ 6 and – 2 (or an average + 2) in Na2S2O3 and +5 and 0 (or an average + 5/2) in Na2S4O6.
9. (B)
10. (A,B)
11. (A,B,C)/(B,C)
12. (B)

EXERCISE #4 (NCERT EXEMPLAR)

I. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-I)
1. (D) 2. (A) 3. (C) 4. (D)
5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (A) 8. (C)
9. (B) 10. (A) 11. (A) 12. (A)
13. (B) 14. (A) 15. (C) 16. (A)
17. (D) 18. (B) 19. (A) 20. (C)
21. (D)

II. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-II)

22. (B),(D) 23. (A), (C) 24. (A), (B) 25. (B), (C)
26. (A),(C) 27. (A), (B) 28. (A), (B)

PHYSICS WALLAH 40