The s-Block Elements for NEET UG
The alkali and alkaline earth metals are soft, reactive metals with one or two outer electrons. Their trends are smooth and predictable, with a few famous exceptions.
ChemistryClass 1137 MCQs2 lessons12 flashcards4 memory tricks
Practise The s-Block Elements free
Syllabus check: This chapter was removed from NCERT's rationalised textbooks (2023–24) and may not be in the current NEET UG syllabus. It is included for completeness. Check the latest syllabus on the NTA NEET website before spending revision time on it.
What you'll learn
- Alkali metals (group 1)
Explain the trends in group 1 and the reactions of alkali metals with water and air. - Alkaline earth metals (group 2) and important compounds
Compare group 2 with group 1, explain the anomalous behaviour of Li and Be, and recall uses of key compounds.
Memory tricks
Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra.
Li crimson red, Na golden yellow, K lilac, Ca brick red, Sr crimson, Ba apple green. Be and Mg give no flame colour.
Baking soda is NaHCO₃ (it releases CO₂ on heating). Washing soda is Na₂CO₃·10H₂O.
Gypsum is CaSO₄·2H₂O. Plaster of Paris is CaSO₄·½H₂O, which forms when gypsum is heated to about 393 K and sets when water is added.
Try 3 NEET-style questions
Q1. Which group 2 hydroxide is the most soluble in water?
- Be(OH)₂
- Mg(OH)₂
- Ca(OH)₂
- Ba(OH)₂
Show answer
Answer: (4) Ba(OH)₂
Solubility of group 2 hydroxides increases down the group, so Ba(OH)₂ is the most soluble.
Q2. Barium salts give a characteristic flame colour of
- brick red
- crimson
- apple green
- lilac
Show answer
Answer: (3) apple green
Barium gives an apple-green flame.
Q3. Which compound is commonly called washing soda?
- NaHCO₃
- Na₂CO₃·10H₂O
- NaOH
- Na₂SO₄
Show answer
Answer: (2) Na₂CO₃·10H₂O
Washing soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, Na₂CO₃·10H₂O.
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