Question

Explain the following properties of group 16 elements:
(i) Electro negativity
(ii) Melting and boiling points
(iii) Metallic character
(iv) Allotropy

Answer 1

i) Electronegativity

The electronegativity decreases as we move down the group. Therefore it decreases as we move from oxygen to polonium due to an increase in nuclear size

ii) melting & Boiling points

As the atomic size increases from oxygen to tellurium, the melting & boiling point also increase

iii) metallic character

metallic properties increase down the group. this is because $e^{\theta }$becomes easier to lose as atomic radius increase. oxygen & sulphur (Nonmetal).se& tellurium (metalloids) & polonium (metal)

(iv) Allotropy: Each one of the element of group 16 show allotropy

oxygen has two allotropes 1) oxygen 2) ozone

Sulphur exists 1) Rhombic sulphur 2) monoclinic sulphur

selenium & Tellurium in both amorphous & crystalline forms