(a) Atomic number is considered to be a more appropriate parameter than atomic mass for classification of elements in a periodic table. Why?
(b) (i) What happens to basic character of oxides down the group and why? (ii) What happens to acidic character of oxides along the period and why?
(a) Atomic number is considered to be a more appropriate parameter than atomic mass for classification of elements in a periodic table. Why?
A-1) Atomic number is considered to be a more appropriate parameter for the classification of elements than atomic number because atomic number is equal to the number of electrons in an atom, and the arrangement of electrons in an atom gives its electronic configuration. Thus, when elements are arranged in the order of increasing atomic numbers, then elements with similar electronic configuration occur together. These elements have similar chemical properties, which explains the periodicity in modern periodic table.
A-2) As we move down the group, the basic character of oxides increases. This is because the metallic character increases down the group. More is the metallic character, more is the basic character of oxides.
A-3) As we move across a period, the acidic character of oxides Increases. This is because the non-metallic character increases from left to right in a period. More is the non-metallic character, more is the acidic character of oxides. So, acidic character of oxides increases across a period.
A-1) Atomic number is considered to be a more appropriate parameter for the classification of elements than atomic number because atomic number is equal to the number of electrons in an atom, and the arrangement of electrons in an atom gives its electronic configuration. Thus, when elements are arranged in the order of increasing atomic numbers, then elements with similar electronic configuration occur together. These elements have similar chemical properties, which explains the periodicity in modern periodic table.
A-2) As we move down the group, the basic character of oxides increases. This is because the metallic character increases down the group. More is the metallic character, more is the basic character of oxides.
A-3) As we move across a period, the acidic character of oxides Increases. This is because the non-metallic character increases from left to right in a period. More is the non-metallic character, more is the acidic character of oxides. So, acidic character of oxides increases across a period.
