Question
Distinguish between s and p-block elements.
Solution
The important points of distinctions are:
| s-block elements | p-block elements |
| 1. General electronic configuration is ns1-2 | 1. General electronic configuration: ns2 np-1-6 ns2 np -1-6 |
| 2. There are two groups in s-block | 2. There are six groups in p-block. |
| 3. The elements present in this block are all metals. | 3. The elements present in this block are mostly non-metals. |
| 4. They show fixed oxidation state. For example, elements in group 1 show oxidation state of + 1 while those in group 2 show oxidation state of +2. | 4. Most of the members show variable oxidation states i.e. exhibit more than one oxidation state. |
| 5. The compounds are mostly ionic in nature. | 5. The compounds are mostly ionic in nature. |
| 6. They are good reducing agents. | 6. They are generally strong oxidising agents. |
| 7. Most of the elements impart characteristic colours to the flame. | 7. Most of these do not impart colours to the flame. |
