p block elements – Definition, Characteristics, Properties, and 5 Reliable Uses

p block elements are those elements in which the last (valence) electron enters the p-subshell of their outermost energy level. This block is situated at the extreme right of the periodic table. The maximum number of electrons that can occur in a set of p orbitals is six since there are three p orbitals. As a result, the periodic table has six groups of p-block elements group (IIIA), 14 (IVA), 15 (VA), 16 (VIA), 17 (VIIA), and 18 (zero) of the periodic table. The electronic configuration of p block elements is ns²np^1-6 (except Helium).

Characteristics of p block elements

• p-block elements consist of metals, non-metals, and metalloids.
• Mostly, they form covalent compounds.
• The p-block parts are often shiny and function well as both electrical and thermal conductors.
• P-block elements have considerably greater ionization enthalpies than s-block elements.
• p-block elements do not give characteristic color to the flame.
• They mostly form acidic oxides.
• In a group, the electronegativity decreases from top to bottom and increases in a period from left to right.
• Reducing property decreases from left to right in a period while increasing in a group from top to bottom.
• The non-metallic character steadily increases in the period from left to right. But from top to bottom, non-metallic property reduces in the groups.
• The total amount of valence electrons, or the sum of the ns and np electrons, determines the maximum oxidation state that a p-block element can exhibit. As one proceeds from left to right in the p-block, the number of potential oxidation states increases. 
• The allotropy phenomenon is demonstrated by a number of elements of the p-block series. These elements include arsenic, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, boron, germanium, tin, and phosphorus.
• Numerous elements in the p-block series, including carbon, silicon, germanium, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur, exhibit the catenation property.

p block elements electronic configuration

Properties of p block elements

The differences in an element’s inner core have a significant impact on both its chemical and physical properties, including atomic and ionic radii, ionization enthalpy, and several others. The characteristics of the elements in a group of p-block are thus shown to vary significantly.

The initial p-block element is different from the other elements in two key ways:

• The size and any other characteristics that depend on size come first.
• The second distinction only affects the p-block element, which is created as a result of the interactions between d-orbitals and the valence shells of heavier elements.

Uses of p block elements

• Germanium, silicon, arsenic, and gallium are all employed as semiconductors.
• Alum is extensively used for water purification.
• The glass and pottery industries use the boron compound borax.
• Steel’s hardness is increased with boron.
• Numerous applications include the usage of carbon and its compounds.

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