P-Block Elements and Their Properties

The p-block is on the right side of the periodic table. It includes elements from column 13 to column 18. However, Helium is not one of the p-block elements. The characteristics are common in the elements of p-block, and their valence electrons are in the p-orbital. 

Properties of p-block elements

There are various p-block elements such as silicon, lead, carbon, tin, flerovium, germanium, etc. The elements of the p-block are considered poor metals. Moreover, these elements are known for their semiconductor properties. In addition, there are various families in the p-block, such as the Boron family, Nitrogen family, Oxygen family, Fluorine family, and Neon family or the inert gases family.

• Carbon – It is the most known and important element of the p-block. It is the basis for organic chemistry and is present in all living beings on this planet. Moreover, carbon has four valence electrons in its outermost shell that assists carbon in making covalent bonds with other atoms. The carbon can also bond with long polymer chains together with the help of its ability to make covalent bonds, leading to the production of plastics and some other materials.

• Silicon – In the p-block elements, silicon is considered the 2nd most important element. Silicon has four valence electrons. However, it can also make ionic bonds with other elements. Furthermore, because of this, silicon becomes a good conductor of electricity. And due to the semiconductor properties that silicon has, it is used in solar systems and computer chips.

• Germanium – It is not much known as it is a rare element of the p-block. Moreover, it comprises four valence electrons, just like carbon and silicon, and makes ionic bonds with other elements. It is also used in various objects like optical fibres and transistors due to its semiconductor properties.

• Tin – It also has four valence electrons and can make covalent bonds with other atoms. It is mostly used in things like solder, can, etc., because it has a low melting point.

• Lead – Lead also comprises four valence electrons like silicon and germanium. However, it can make covalent bonds with other atoms. Because of the low melting point of lead, it is used in batteries of vehicles and pencils.

• Flerovium – Flerovium is said to be the least common element when we talk about the elements of p-block. It can make covalent bonds only with other atoms with its four valence electrons.

Location of p-block elements in the periodic table

In the p-block elements, the last electron goes to the furthest p-orbital. Moreover, they have 3-8 electrons in the peripheral shell. After knowing that the number of p-orbitals is ‘3’ and, therefore, the highest possible number of the electrons that can be obliged in a sequence of the p-orbitals is ‘6’. Hence, the number of total groups of p-block elements in the periodic table is ‘6’, which lies between group numbers 13 and 18.

• 1st group – group ‘IIIA’ known as Boron group

• 2nd group – group ‘IVA’ known as Carbon group

• 3rd group – group ‘VA’ known as Nitrogen group

• 4th group – group ‘VIA’ known as Chalcogens

• 5th group – group ‘VIIA’ known as Halogens

• 6th group – zero group or group number ‘18’ known as noble gases or inert group

Conclusion

This study material concludes that the elements that have their outermost valence electrons in the p-orbital are known as the p-block element in the periodic tables. Moreover, it is located on the right side of the periodic table. It has elements from the six columns starting from 3A to 8A in the periodic table, whereas, in some other types of periodic tables, the groups start from number 13 and end with group number 18.