[Chemistry Class Notes] Introduction to p-Block Elements Pdf for Exam

Those elements in which the last electron occupies p-orbitals and are placed together in groups 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 (Except Helium) are called p-block elements. As p-block orbitals can accommodate totals of a maximum of six electrons that’s why p-block elements have been divided into six groups. 

Each group of p-block elements is recognized by its first element. Group 13 is called Boron Family, group 14 is called Carbon Family, group 15 is called Nitrogen Family, Group 16 is called Oxygen Family, group 17 is called Halogen or fluorine Family, group 18 is called Noble Gas Family or Neon Family. Here you need to keep in mind that Helium is not a p-block element although it is a part of the noble gas family as it’s also a noble gas. Helium is a part of s-block elements. 

These elements include some metals, all nonmetals, and metalloids. s-block and p-block elements are collectively called normal or representative elements (except zero group elements). Each period of the periodic table ends with a member of zero groups (18^th group), i.e., a noble gas with a closed shell ns²np⁶ configuration. Prior to the noble gas group, there are two chemically important groups of non-metals. These are halogens (group 17) and chalcogens (group 16).

In this article, you will get to know about the properties of p-block elements and their uses. 

Properties or Characteristics of p-Block Elements 

• In the atoms of the p-block elements, the last electron enters the p-subshell of the outermost shell.

• In these elements, the np subshell is gradually filled up. The valence shell configuration varies from ns² np¹ to ns² np⁶.

• The general electronic configuration of elements of p-block is ns²np^1-6 (Except Helium). 

•  The number of electrons in the penultimate shell of p-block elements is either 2 or 8 or 18.

• Except for F and inert gases, p-block elements show a number of oxidation states from +n to (n- 8) where n is the number of electrons present in the outermost shell.

• The p-block elements generally show covalency but higher members can show electrovalency. The highly electronegative elements like halogens F, Cl etc., show electrovalency by accepting electrons and forming anions. Some of the elements show coordinate valency also.

• In the period from left to right, there is a regular increase in non-metallic character. However, non-metallic character decreases in the groups from top to bottom.

• Ionization energies increase from left to right in a period while decreasing in a group from top to bottom. The members of group VA and zero group have exceptionally high values of ionization energies on account of half-filled and fully filled orbitals in the valence shell.

• In every period, reducing nature decreases from left to right while oxidizing nature increases. Reducing nature increases in a group from top to bottom. Halogens are strong oxidizing agents.

• Most of the p-block elements form acidic oxides. 

• No member of the p-block series or the salts imparts a characteristic color to the flame.

• A number of elements of the p-block series show the phenomenon of allotropy. Carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, boron, germanium, tin, arsenic, etc., show this property.

• Catenation property is shown by many elements of the p-block series such as carbon, silicon, germanium, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, etc.

Uses of p-Block Elements 

p-block elements are used in various fields in so many ways. We have listed here a few uses of p-block elements – 

• A compound of boron called borax is used in the glass making industry and pottery. 

• Boron is also used in the soap or detergent industry. 

• Boron is used in aircrafts and bullet proof vests. 

• Boron is used in steel to increase its hardness. 

• Aluminum is used in utensils, coils, cables, protection of iron and zinc, foils to wrap articles. It is used as a reducing agent as well. 

• Germanium, arsenic, silicon, gallium are used as semiconductors. 

• Fitkari is used for the purification ofthe  water and antiseptic.

• Iodine is used in iodine tincture. 

• Chlorine is used in disinfectants. 

• Carbon and its compounds are used in numerous ways. 

If you want to know more about p-block elements then you can through the article ‘P-Block elements for IIT JEE’ available on website. If you are looking for NCERT Solutions, Mock Tests, Study material then register yourself on or download Learning app for Class 6-10 IIT JEE & NEET. 

Learning the Introduction to p-Block Elements – Properties and Uses

The introduction to p-block elements takes you through some of the elements of the periodic table. These elements are called p-block elements because their last electron enters the outermost p-subshell. To enhance your knowledge about the periodic table, you have to start learning about p-Block Elements – Properties and Uses. Learning the properties and uses of these elements will not be hard, especially when you are using ’s educational platform. Below are some tips for you to start learning the concept of p-block elements: 

• Gain a good understanding of the elements included in the p-block by reading their definitions, uses, and properties thoroughly. 

• You should use your textbooks to get an idea of what elements are included in the p-block and why they are important. 

• Other than your textbooks, you can use reference books and guides to get a deep insight into p-Block Elements and understand their properties and uses more clearly. 

• Make sure to go through the properties of each element of the p-block. This will help you differentiate between these elements, making it easier for you to identify a chemical element. 

• Try to understand why and how p-block elements are different from the rest of the elements in the periodic table. 

• You can use ’s online education platform to learn everything about p-block elements. We provide you with the best study materials to help you learn different concepts of Chemistry and improve your understanding of these concepts to score higher marks in your exam. 

• Explore different types of questions, based on p-block elements, given in textbooks, reference books, sample papers, and previous year question papers to test your knowledge and check whether you need more revisions to understand the concept or not. 

Why should you Learn about p-Block Elements?

The periodic table contains all the chemical elements in an organised manner. You should learn about the p-block elements as they are an essential part of this table. The p-block contains about 35 elements, including boron, germanium, silicon, etc. So, by learning about the p-block elements, you can gain a better understanding of the periodic table. Below are some other reasons why it is necessary for you to learn about p-block elements: 

• By learning about p-block elements, you can enhance your knowledge about different metals and non-metals. 

• If you learn the properties and uses of p-block elements, you will be able to distinguish them from other elements of the periodic table. 

• To understand the concepts of Chemistry, you should have a clear understanding of all the elements in the periodic table. That is why it is necessary to learn about p-block elements. 

• Since the periodic table is an essential part of the Chemistry syllabus, carrying a good portion of the marking distributions, you must learn everything about the p-block elements in this table. It will improve your chances of scoring the highest marks in the Chemistry exam.    

• Learning about p-block elements makes it easier for you to understand subsequent topics and concepts covered in your Chemistry syllabus.