- #1
Dr. Manoj
- 20
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What exactly is inert pair effect? Please explain how is character shown by atoms increase/decrease along group and periods. What has to be done to increase this effect on an atom?
The inert pair effect refers to the tendency of certain elements in the p-block of the periodic table to preferentially form compounds in which their valence s-electrons remain unshared. This is due to the increasing stability of the s-orbital as the atomic number increases. As a result, these elements exhibit a tendency to form lower oxidation states than would be expected based on their position in the periodic table.
The elements that exhibit the Inert pair effect are primarily found in Groups 13, 14, and 15 of the periodic table, including boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium, lead, and bismuth. These elements have a valence electron configuration of ns2npx, where x is typically 1 or 2.
The Inert pair effect is caused by the increasing stability of the s-orbital as the atomic number increases. As the number of protons in the nucleus increases, the effective nuclear charge also increases, making it more difficult for the valence s-electrons to be removed or shared. As a result, these elements tend to form compounds in which their valence s-electrons remain unshared.
The consequences of the Inert pair effect can include lower oxidation states, lower reactivity, and a tendency to form covalent rather than ionic compounds. This can lead to differences in the chemical and physical properties of these elements compared to other elements in their respective groups.
The Inert pair effect can be observed in chemical reactions by examining the oxidation states of the elements involved. Elements that exhibit the Inert pair effect will tend to form compounds with lower oxidation states than expected based on their position in the periodic table. This can also be seen in the types of compounds they form, with a preference for covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds.