FAQs on Inert pair effect - Periodic Properties

Question 1

1. What is the inert pair effect?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The inert pair effect refers to the phenomenon in which the s-electrons in the outermost energy level of certain heavy elements become less reactive and tend to remain unutilized during chemical reactions.

Question 2

2. Which elements are known to exhibit the inert pair effect?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The inert pair effect is commonly observed in elements belonging to groups 13, 14, and 15 of the periodic table, such as thallium, lead, and bismuth.

Question 3

3. How does the inert pair effect influence the chemical behavior of elements?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The inert pair effect leads to a preference for the lower oxidation states in elements. For example, thallium, with a valence electron configuration of ns^2np^0, tends to display the +1 oxidation state instead of the expected +3 oxidation state, as the 6s electrons are less involved in bonding.

Question 4

4. What are the consequences of the inert pair effect in terms of chemical reactivity?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The inert pair effect results in a decrease in the reactivity of elements, particularly in their ability to form covalent bonds. It also leads to an increased stability of lower oxidation states compared to higher oxidation states.

Question 5

5. How does the inert pair effect relate to periodic trends?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The inert pair effect is a consequence of the increasing energy difference between the ns and (n-1)d orbitals as one moves down a group in the periodic table. This trend can be attributed to the poor shielding effect of the d electrons, causing the ns electrons to be less available for bonding and thus exhibiting the inert pair effect.

Inert pair effect - Periodic Properties Video Lecture - Inorganic Chemistry

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