Question

What is a Non-metal in Group 13?

Answer 1

1. Group 13 of the periodic table is also known as Boron Family.
2. Boron does not occur in a free state and is fairly rare and it is the only Non-metal in the group.
3. Group 13 of the periodic table consists of elements Boron (B). Aluminum (Al), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), and Thallium (TI)
4. In Group 13 the outermost electronic configuration of elements is given as ${\mathrm{ns}}^2{\mathrm{np}}^1$. This indicates that there are vacant orbitals in their outermost shell. Thus, these elements must form electron deficient compounds which act as Lewis acids.
5. Except for boron, all other members are metals, and metallic character increases from top to bottom.
6. Boron is used in making hard steel and borosil glass.
7. B-10 isotope is used in control rods in nuclear reactors in the form of certain metal borides.
8. Aluminum is the most abundant member of this family and has a wide variety of uses.
9. Other members of the family are less abundant and are comparatively less useful.

Hence, boron is the nonmetal in the Boron family.