The p-Block Elements JEE Main PYQs (2020–2026)

Solved The p-Block Elements PYQs

3 recent questions with answers. The full set of 191 is free to practise.

1. JEE Main 2026MediumGroup 17 Elements (Halogens, Interhalogens, Halogen Oxoacids)
   Q1

   A monoatomic anion (A ) has 45 neutrons and 36 electrons. Atomic mass, group in the periodic table and physical state at room temperature of the element (A) respectively are

   • A80, 17, liquid
   • B81, 16, solid
   • C80,16, gas
   • D81, 15, gas

   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A)

   For a monoatomic anion $A^{-}$ :
   
   Number of electrons in $A^{-}$ $=36$
   
   Since it is an anion with charge $-1$ , the neutral atom $A$ must have one electron less.
   
   So, number of electrons in neutral atom $A$ :
   
   $$36-1=35$$
   
   Hence, atomic number of $A$ is $35$ .
   
   This element is bromine.
   
   Now, number of neutrons $=45$
   
   So, mass number:
   
   $$\text{Mass number}=\text{protons}+\text{neutrons}=35+45=80$$
   
   Thus, atomic mass number is:
   
   $$80$$
   
   Now let us find the group.
   
   Bromine $(Z=35)$ belongs to group 17 in the periodic table.
   
   Also, bromine is a liquid at room temperature.
   
   So, the correct answer is:
   
   $$\boxed{\text{Option A: }80,17,\text{liquid}}$$
2. JEE Main 2026HardGroup 13 Elements (Boron Family, Borax, Diborane)
   Q2

   Given below are two statements :
   
   Statement I: The second ionization enthalpy of B, Al and Ga is in the order of B > Al > Ga.
   
   Statement II: The correct order in terms of first ionization enthalpy is Si < Ge < Pb < Sn.
   
   In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

   • ABoth Statement I and Statement II are true
   • BBoth Statement I and Statement II are false
   • CStatement I is true but Statement II is false
   • DStatement I is false but Statement II is true

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   Correct answer: (B)

   For boron family elements, the order of second ionization enthalpy is:
   
   $$\underset{(2427KJ/mol)}{B}>\underset{(1979KJ/mol)}{\mathrm{Ga}}>\underset{(1816KJ/mol)}{\mathrm{Al}}$$
   
   So, the given order $B>Al>Ga$ is incorrect.
   
   For carbon family elements, the order of first ionization enthalpy is:
   
   $$\underset{(786KJ/mol)}{\mathrm{Si}}>\underset{(761KJ/mol)}{\mathrm{Ge}}>\underset{(715KJ/mol)}{\mathrm{Pb}}>\underset{(708KJ/mol)}{\mathrm{Sn}}$$
   
   So, the given order $Si<Ge<Pb<Sn$ is also incorrect.
   
   Hence, both Statement I and Statement II are false.
3. JEE Main 2026EasyGroup 15 Elements (Nitrogen Family, Ammonia, Nitric Acid, P-Oxoacids)
   Q3

   Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements ${EH}_3(E=N,P,As,Sb)$ , select the correct statement from the following :
   
   A. The stability of hydrides decreases down the group.
   
   B. The basicity of hydrides decreases down the group.
   
   C. The reducing character increases down the group.
   
   D. The boiling point increases down the group.
   
   Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

   • AA, B & C only
   • BA, B, C& D
   • CA & D only
   • DB & C only

   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A)

   Hydrides of group 15:
   
   A. Stability decreases down the group — Correct
   
   Down the group, the $E-H$ bond strength decreases because atomic size increases, so overlap becomes poorer. Hence hydrides become less stable:
   
   $$N{H}_3>P{H}_3>As{H}_3>Sb{H}_3$$
   
   B. Basicity decreases down the group — Correct
   
   Basicity depends on the availability of the lone pair on $E$. Down the group, the lone pair becomes more diffused and less available for donation, so basicity decreases:
   
   $$N{H}_3>P{H}_3>As{H}_3>Sb{H}_3$$
   
   C. Reducing character increases down the group — Correct
   
   Reducing nature increases as the $E-H$ bond becomes weaker down the group, so the hydride can donate hydrogen (or get oxidised) more easily:
   
   $$N{H}_3<P{H}_3<As{H}_3<Sb{H}_3$$
   
   D. Boiling point increases down the group — Not correct as a general statement
   
   Boiling points generally increase down the group due to increasing molar mass, but $N{H}_3$ is anomalous because of hydrogen bonding, which raises its boiling point above what is expected.
   
   So the trend is not strictly increasing from $N{H}_3$ to $Sb{H}_3$.
   
   Correct option: Option A (A, B & C only)

Topic-wise question count

Where JEE Main has asked from The p-Block Elements, most frequent first.

• Group 15 Elements (Nitrogen Family, Ammonia, Nitric Acid, P-Oxoacids)70
• Group 13 Elements (Boron Family, Borax, Diborane)41
• Group 16 Elements (Oxygen Family, Ozone, Sulphur Allotropes & Oxoacids)33
• Group 17 Elements (Halogens, Interhalogens, Halogen Oxoacids)22
• Group 14 Elements (Carbon Family, Allotropes, Silicates, Silicones)21
• Group 18 Elements (Noble Gases & Xenon Compounds)4

Year-wise The p-Block Elements questions in JEE Main

Number of questions from this chapter in each year's paper(s).