Na A B C D E (complex) β s Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Na $\xrightarrow{\text{H}_2\text{O}}$ A $\xrightarrow{\text{CO}_2}$ B $\xrightarrow{\text{SO}_2}$ C $\xrightarrow[\Delta]{\text{Na}_2\text{S}/\text{I}_2}$ D $\xrightarrow{\text{Ag}^+/\text{salt}}$ E (complex)
π‘ Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Down the group of alkali metals (Group 1), the nuclear charge increases, but the number of electron shells also increases. Step 2: The addition of new electron shells causes the valence electrons to be located further from the nucleus, which leads to a decrease in first ionization energy, electronegativity, and the hydration energy of the univalent cations. Step 3: Conversely, the atomic and ionic radii systematically increase down the group. Therefore, atomic radius increases with increasing atomic number, matching option (d).