Question

Element ‘A’ is used for the manufacture of match sticks. Predict the position of A in the modern periodic table.

• A. V-A group and third period
• B. IV-A group and third period
• C. V-A group and fourth period
• D. IV-A group and fourth period

Answer 1

The correct option is A

V-A group and third period

The explanation for the correct option A):

1. It is red phosphorous that is widely used for preparing match sticks.
2. Red phosphorous is an important allotrope of phosphorous that helps to burn matchstick readily due to its low ignition temperature.
3. Phosphorous (element A) belongs to the V-A group and is the third period of the modern periodic table.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

B) IV-A group and third period - This position represents Silicon ($\mathrm{Si}$) and it is not used in the making of matchsticks.

C) V-A group and fourth period- This position represents Arsenic ($\mathrm{As}$) and it is not used in the making of matchsticks.

D) IV-A group and fourth period- This position represents Germanium ($\mathrm{Ge}$) and it is not used in the making of matchsticks.

Hence option (a) is correct and the element phosphorous belongs to the V-A group and third period.