Question

Which statement is false? (1) Elements of VA group are transition elements. (2) Elements of I and II groups are normal elements. (3) Elements of zero group are monoatomic gases. (4) A1l transition elements are metals.

Short answer

Statement 1 (Elements of VA group are transition elements) is false.

Step-by-step solution

- Review Group VA

Examine if elements in Group VA (also known as Group 15) are transition elements. Group VA contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). These are not transition metals.

- Review Groups I and II

Check if elements in Groups I (alkali metals) and II (alkaline earth metals) are considered normal elements. Alkalai metals include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). Alkaline earth metals include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). These are indeed normal elements.

- Review Zero Group

Verify if elements in the zero group (noble gases) are monoatomic gases. Group zero consists of elements like helium (He), neon (Ne), and argon (Ar), which are monoatomic gases.

- Review Transition Elements

Confirm if all transition elements are metals. The transition elements, found in the d-block of the periodic table, include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and gold (Au), and they are indeed all metals.

- Identify the False Statement

Based on the verification of each statement, the false statement is: Elements of VA group are transition elements.

Key concepts

Group VA elements

Group VA, also known as Group 15, includes the elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). These elements belong to the p-block of the periodic table.
They are not transition metals. Instead, they are a mix of nonmetals, metalloids, and metals.
Transition metals are found in the d-block between Groups 3 and 12. Thus, it is incorrect to classify Group VA elements as transition elements.

Transition elements

Transition elements are located in the d-block of the periodic table, spanning Groups 3 to 12. These elements are characterized by their ability to form multiple oxidation states and colored compounds.
All transition elements are metals, known for their conductive and malleable properties.
Common examples include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and gold (Au).
Transition metals often form complex ions and have significant roles in industrial processes, catalysis, and biological systems.

Group I and II elements

Group I elements, also referred to as alkali metals, include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). These metals are highly reactive, especially with water, and are known for forming strong bases (alkalies).
Group II elements, also called alkaline earth metals, consist of beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). They are less reactive than alkali metals but still quite reactive.
Both these groups fall under the category of 'normal' or main group elements, distinguished from transition elements.

Noble gases

Noble gases make up Group 18 (formerly called Group 0) and include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).
These elements are characterized by their extremely low reactivity, owing to their complete valence electron shells. They exist as monoatomic gases under standard conditions.
Noble gases are used in various applications, such as lighting (neon lights), inert atmospheres for welding (argon), and cooling (liquid helium). Their inert nature also makes them important in preventing unwanted chemical reactions.