Statement 1 : Electronegativity of group 14 elements decreases from Si to Pb.
Statement 2 : Group 14 has metals, metalloids and non-metals.
Correct Answer :
Statement 1 is incorrect and Statement 2 is correct
Solution :
To determine the correctness of the statements, let us analyze them one by one:
Analysis of Statement 1:
Group 14 (carbon family) consists of Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb).
The electronegativity values of these elements on the Pauling scale are as follows:
• Carbon (C): 2.5
• Silicon (Si): 1.8
• Germanium (Ge): 1.8
• Tin (Sn): 1.8
• Lead (Pb): 1.9
Electronegativity decreases significantly from Carbon to Silicon. However, from Silicon to Lead, the values remain almost constant, with a slight increase in Lead. This is because, from Germanium onwards, the d and f orbitals are filled. Since d and f electrons provide poor shielding, the outer electrons experience a stronger attraction from the nucleus (higher effective nuclear charge). Consequently, the electronegativity does not decrease from Si to Pb. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.
Analysis of Statement 2:
The elements of Group 14 show a clear transition from non-metallic to metallic character as we move down the group:
• Carbon (C) is a non-metal.
• Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge) are metalloids (semi-metals).
• Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb) are post-transition metals.
Since Group 14 consists of non-metals, metalloids, and metals, Statement 2 is correct.
Conclusion:
Statement 1 is incorrect and Statement 2 is correct.
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