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Karnataka Board PUCPUC Science 2nd PUC Class 12

Group 16 Elements - The Oxygen Family

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Estimated time: 8 minutes
CBSE: Class 12

Key Points: Group 16 Elements - The Oxygen Family

General electronic configuration: ns² np⁴

Element Symbol Configuration
Oxygen O [He] 2s² 2p⁴
Sulphur S [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
Selenium Se [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁴
Tellurium Te [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴
Polonium Po [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁴
  • General Trends: Down the group → atomic size increases, while electronegativity and ionisation energy decrease.
  • Oxidation States: Common states → −2, +2, +4, +6 (oxygen mainly −2; heavier elements show positive states).
  • Chemical Reactivity: Decreases down the group → O > S > Se > Te > Po.

Hydrides Trend (H₂E):

  • Bond angle decreases: H₂O > H₂S > H₂Se > H₂Te
  • Thermal stability decreases down the group
  • Acidic character increases: H₂O < H₂S < H₂Se < H₂Te

Sulphur Allotropes:

  • Rhombic (α): Most stable, prepared from CS₂ solution
  • Monoclinic (β): Formed by melting sulphur
    Both consist of S₈ ring structure

Important Compounds & Reactions:

  • H₂S: Poisonous, reducing agent
  • SO₂: Acts as reducing + oxidising + bleaching agent
  • O₃ (Ozone): Strong oxidising agent; converts KI → KIO₃/KIO₄
  • O₂/O₃: Show allotropy

Sulphuric Acid (H₂SO₄):

  • Dibasic acid
  • Strong dehydrating agent
  • Strong oxidising agent
  • Low volatility & highly corrosive

Video Tutorials

We have provided more than 1 series of video tutorials for some topics to help you get a better understanding of the topic.

Series 1


Series 2


Shaalaa.com | P Block part 24 (Group 16, oxygen family introduction)

Shaalaa.com


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Shaalaa.com


P Block part 24 (Group 16, oxygen family introduction) [00:10:31]
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