NEET Chemistry The s-Block Elements – Alkali Metals & Alkaline Earth Metals

The s-Block Elements are the elements in which the valence electron enters the s-orbital of the outermost shell. These elements occupy Group 1 and Group 2 of the periodic table and are known for their high reactivity and electropositive nature.

This chapter is an important part of NEET Chemistry and frequently appears in Inorganic Chemistry questions.

Classification of s-Block Elements

Alkali Metals (Group 1)

The alkali metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. These elements have one electron in their outermost shell and are highly reactive.

Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)

The alkaline earth metals include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. They contain two valence electrons and are comparatively less reactive than alkali metals.

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Important Concepts

Electronic Configuration

The characteristic feature of s-block elements is the presence of one or two electrons in the outermost s-orbital.

Physical and Chemical Properties

s-Block elements are soft, highly electropositive, and readily form ionic compounds. Their reactivity generally increases down the group.

Important Compounds

Several compounds of s-block elements, such as sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium sulfate, have significant industrial and biological importance.

Applications of s-Block Elements

Manufacture of chemicals and fertilizers.
Construction materials.
Medical and pharmaceutical uses.
Metallurgical processes.
Biological functions in living organisms.

Importance for NEET

The s-Block Elements is a high-scoring chapter in NEET Chemistry. Questions are commonly asked on group trends, properties, compounds, and reactions of alkali and alkaline earth metals.

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