Question

The false statement among the following is (1) Inert gases belong to p-block. (2) f-block elements are called inner transition elements . (3) Lanthanum is a member of f-block clement. (4) The clement with \(Z=106\) belong to \(\mathrm{d}\) -block.

Short answer

Statement (3) is false.

Step-by-step solution

- Identify Inert Gases

Inert gases, also known as noble gases, are found in Group 18 of the periodic table. These elements belong to the p-block because the last electron enters a p-orbital. Statement (1) is true.

- Classify f-block Elements

The f-block elements, also known as inner transition elements, include the lanthanides and actinides. These elements are characterized by their filling of the f-orbital. Statement (2) is true.

- Determine Lanthanum's Block

Lanthanum (La) has the atomic number 57 and belongs to the d-block, occupying the position just before the start of the f-block elements. Statement (3) is false as it incorrectly categorizes lanthanum as an f-block element.

- Locate Element with Atomic Number 106

The element with atomic number 106 is Seaborgium (Sg). Seaborgium belongs to Group 6 of the periodic table, which is part of the d-block elements. Statement (4) is true.

Key concepts

p-block elements

The p-block elements are found on the right side of the periodic table, covering groups 13 through 18. These elements have their outermost electrons in p-orbitals.
The p-block includes a variety of elements:

• Metals
• Metalloids
• Nonmetals

Noticeably, Group 18 contains the inert gases (noble gases) like helium, neon, and argon. These gases are known for their chemical inertness because they have a full valence shell, making them very stable. The diversity of p-block elements gives them a wide array of properties and uses. For example:

• Carbon, essential in organic chemistry
• Oxygen, necessary for life
• Chlorine, used in disinfectants

f-block elements

The f-block elements, or inner transition elements, are unique because they involve the filling of f-orbitals. These elements are divided into two main series:

• Lanthanides (elements 57-71)
• Actinides (elements 89-103)

The f-block elements are usually displayed at the bottom of the periodic table to keep the table compact. They have complex electron configurations and are known for their magnetic and luminescent properties.
Lanthanides are often used in electronics, optics, and as catalysts in various chemical reactions. Actinides are mostly radioactive, with uranium and plutonium being well-known for their use in nuclear energy and weaponry.

d-block elements

The d-block elements are commonly referred to as transition metals and are located in the center of the periodic table, from groups 3 to 12. These elements have their outer electrons in d-orbitals.
Transition metals, like iron, copper, and gold, are well-known for their:

• Strong metallic properties
• High melting and boiling points
• Ability to form colorful compounds

They are also characterized by their ability to form various oxidation states, which makes them very versatile in chemical reactions. For example, iron can exist as Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺, playing a crucial role in biological systems and industrial processes.

lanthanum

Lanthanum (La), with atomic number 57, is an interesting element because it sits at the border between the d-block and f-block.
It is technically a d-block element because it precedes the filling of the f-orbitals that characterize the lanthanides. Lanthanum is a silvery-white metal that is soft and malleable. It is often used in:

• Lighting, such as in carbon arc lamps
• Alloys, to improve steel's malleability and durability
• Catalysts in petroleum refining

Despite its placement in the d-block, Lanthanum shares many properties with the lanthanides and is considered a part of that group in chemical contexts.

seaborgium

Seaborgium (Sg) is a synthetic element with atomic number 106, and it resides in the d-block of the periodic table. It belongs to Group 6, along with chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten.
Seaborgium is named after the chemist Glenn T. Seaborg. Being a heavy transition metal, seaborgium is highly radioactive and has only been produced in minute amounts in laboratories.
Due to its short half-life, there are no practical applications for seaborgium, but it is interesting from a scientific perspective because its creation helps us understand the properties of superheavy elements and the limits of the periodic table.