Question

Elements P, Q, and R are in the same period of the modern periodic table.  P readily loses its one valence electron to form a stable ion. Q shares its electrons in bonding but does not form ions easily. R has high electronegativity.

Answer the following questions based on the above information:

1. Which clement would be most difficult to reduce among P, Q and R?
2. Which element is expected to have the smallest atomic radius among P, Q and R?
3. Arrange P, Q and R in order of decreasing ionization potential.

Answer 1

(a) P readily loses its valence electron due to its metallic nature, and hence it is least likely to gain an electron, making it the most difficult to reduce.

(b) R has the smallest atomic radius because atomic size decreases from left to right across a period, and its high electronegativity indicates that it is positioned towards the right side of the period.

(c) The decreasing order of ionization potential is R > Q > P, since ionisation energy increases from left to right across a period. Therefore, R has the highest ionization potential, while P, being metallic, has the lowest.