S-Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals) - NEET Previous Year Questions

Chapter Overview

S-Block Elements is a fundamental chapter in Inorganic Chemistry covering Group 1 (Alkali Metals) and Group 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals). This chapter consistently contributes 2-3 questions annually in NEET, making it crucial for scoring well. The chapter involves learning properties, compounds, extraction methods, and reactions of these elements.

Weightage Analysis

• Average Questions per Year: 2-3
• Success Rate: 70-75%
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
• Most Important Topics: Compound preparation, Solubility trends, Extraction methods

Previous Year Questions Compilation (2009-2024)

2024 Questions

Question 1: NEET 2024

Statement: Which of the following alkali metal compounds is used in the preparation of washing soda?

Options: (A) NaCl (B) NaHCO₃ (C) Na₂CO₃ (D) NaOH

Answer: (B) NaHCO₃

Detailed Solution: The Solvay process for washing soda preparation:

1. Step 1: NH₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → NH₄HCO₃
2. Step 2: NH₄HCO₃ + NaCl → NaHCO₃ + NH₄Cl
3. Step 3: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O (on heating)

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is the intermediate product that decomposes to form washing soda (Na₂CO₃).

Key Concept: Solvay process for washing soda preparation

Difficulty Level: Medium

Question 2: NEET 2024

Statement: The correct order of solubility of sulfates in water is:

Options: (A) BeSO₄ > MgSO₄ > CaSO₄ > SrSO₄ > BaSO₄ (B) BaSO₄ > SrSO₄ > CaSO₄ > MgSO₄ > BeSO₄ (C) MgSO₄ > CaSO₄ > SrSO₄ > BaSO₄ > BeSO₄ (D) BeSO₄ > MgSO₄ > SrSO₄ > CaSO₄ > BaSO₄

Answer: (A) BeSO₄ > MgSO₄ > CaSO₄ > SrSO₄ > BaSO₄

Detailed Solution: Solubility trend of alkaline earth metal sulfates:

1. General trend: Solubility decreases down the group
2. Reason: Lattice energy decreases slower than hydration energy
3. Order: BeSO₄ (soluble) > MgSO₄ (soluble) > CaSO₄ (sparingly soluble) > SrSO₄ (insoluble) > BaSO₄ (insoluble)

Key Concept: Solubility trends of alkaline earth metal salts

Difficulty Level: Medium

2023 Questions

Question 3: NEET 2023

Statement: Which of the following compounds of calcium is used as a drying agent?

Options: (A) CaCO₃ (B) Ca(OH)₂ (C) CaCl₂ (D) CaSO₄

Answer: (C) CaCl₂

Detailed Solution:

1. Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is hygroscopic
2. Absorbs moisture from surroundings
3. Forms CaCl₂·2H₂O or CaCl₂·6H₂O
4. Used as drying agent in organic solvents and desiccators

Key Concept: Drying agents and their properties

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 4: NEET 2023

Statement: The element that does not form peroxide is:

Options: (A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Ba

Answer: (A) Li

Detailed Solution: Peroxide formation in alkali metals:

1. Li: Forms only oxide (Li₂O), not peroxide or superoxide
2. Na: Forms peroxide (Na₂O₂) predominantly
3. K, Rb, Cs: Form superoxides (KO₂, RbO₂, CsO₂) predominantly
4. Ba: Forms peroxide (BaO₂)

Reason: Small size and high ionization energy of Li favors oxide formation

Key Concept: Oxide, peroxide, and superoxide formation

Difficulty Level: Medium

2022 Questions

Question 5: NEET 2022

Statement: Which of the following alkaline earth metal oxides is amphoteric?

Options: (A) BeO (B) MgO (C) CaO (D) SrO

Answer: (A) BeO

Detailed Solution: Amphoteric oxides of alkaline earth metals:

1. BeO: Amphoteric - reacts with both acids and bases
   • BeO + 2HCl → BeCl₂ + H₂O
   • BeO + 2NaOH + H₂O → Na₂[Be(OH)₄]
2. MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO: Basic oxides only

Key Concept: Amphoteric behavior of oxides

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 6: NEET 2022

Statement: The correct order of basicity of oxides is:

Options: (A) Na₂O > MgO > Al₂O₃ > SiO₂ (B) Al₂O₃ > SiO₂ > Na₂O > MgO (C) SiO₂ > Al₂O₃ > MgO > Na₂O (D) MgO > Na₂O > Al₂O₃ > SiO₂

Answer: (A) Na₂O > MgO > Al₂O₃ > SiO₂

Detailed Solution: Basicity decreases across period 3:

1. Na₂O: Strongly basic oxide
2. MgO: Basic oxide
3. Al₂O₃: Amphoteric oxide
4. SiO₂: Acidic oxide

Trend: Basic → Amphoteric → Acidic across period

Key Concept: Nature of oxides across periods

Difficulty Level: Medium

2021 Questions

Question 7: NEET 2021

Statement: Which of the following compounds is used in fire extinguishers?

Options: (A) Na₂CO₃ (B) NaHCO₃ (C) K₂CO₃ (D) KHCO₃

Answer: (B) NaHCO₃

Detailed Solution: Sodium bicarbonate in fire extinguishers:

1. Properties:
   • Releases CO₂ on heating
   • Forms water
   • Non-toxic
2. Reaction: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
3. Uses: Type ABC fire extinguishers for electrical and chemical fires

Key Concept: Applications of alkali metal compounds

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 8: NEET 2021

Statement: The element with highest ionization energy among alkali metals is:

Options: (A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Rb

Answer: (A) Li

Detailed Solution: Ionization energy in alkali metals:

1. General trend: Decreases down the group
2. Order: Li (520 kJ/mol) > Na (496 kJ/mol) > K (419 kJ/mol) > Rb (403 kJ/mol)
3. Reason: Atomic size increases, nuclear attraction decreases

Key Concept: Periodic trends in alkali metals

Difficulty Level: Easy

2020 Questions

Question 9: NEET 2020

Statement: Which of the following reactions occurs during the manufacture of sodium carbonate?

Options: (A) NH₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → NH₄HCO₃ (B) NH₄HCO₃ + NaCl → NaHCO₃ + NH₄Cl (C) 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O (D) All of these

Answer: (D) All of these

Detailed Solution: Solvay process involves all three reactions:

1. Carbonation: NH₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → NH₄HCO₃
2. Double decomposition: NH₄HCO₃ + NaCl → NaHCO₃ + NH₄Cl
3. Calcination: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

Key Concept: Complete Solvay process

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 10: NEET 2020

Statement: The compound used as a source of CO₂ in fire extinguishers is:

Options: (A) Na₂CO₃ (B) NaHCO₃ (C) Na₂SO₄ (D) NaCl

Answer: (B) NaHCO₃

Detailed Solution:

1. NaHCO₃ decomposes to release CO₂
2. Reaction: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
3. CO₂ helps extinguish fire by:
   • Displacing oxygen
   • Cooling effect

Key Concept: Decomposition reactions and applications

Difficulty Level: Easy

2019 Questions

Question 11: NEET 2019

Statement: Which of the following alkaline earth metal carbonates is soluble in water?

Options: (A) BeCO₃ (B) MgCO₃ (C) CaCO₃ (D) SrCO₃

Answer: (A) BeCO₃

Detailed Solution: Solubility of alkaline earth metal carbonates:

1. BeCO₃: Soluble (due to high hydration energy)
2. MgCO₃: Sparingly soluble
3. CaCO₃: Insoluble
4. SrCO₃: Insoluble
5. BaCO₃: Insoluble

Trend: Solubility decreases down the group

Key Concept: Solubility trends of carbonates

Difficulty Level: Medium

Question 12: NEET 2019

Statement: The correct order of thermal stability of carbonates is:

Options: (A) BaCO₃ > SrCO₃ > CaCO₃ > MgCO₃ (B) MgCO₃ > CaCO₃ > SrCO₃ > BaCO₃ (C) CaCO₃ > MgCO₃ > BaCO₃ > SrCO₃ (D) SrCO₃ > BaCO₃ > CaCO₃ > MgCO₃

Answer: (A) BaCO₃ > SrCO₃ > CaCO₃ > MgCO₃

Detailed Solution: Thermal stability of carbonates:

1. General trend: Increases down the group
2. Reason: Lattice energy decreases more rapidly than CO₃²⁻ stability
3. Decomposition temperature:
   • MgCO₃: 350°C
   • CaCO₃: 825°C
   • SrCO₃: 1190°C
   • BaCO₃: 1320°C

Key Concept: Thermal stability trends

Difficulty Level: Medium

2018 Questions

Question 13: NEET 2018

Statement: Which of the following is used as a flux in metallurgy?

Options: (A) Na₂CO₃ (B) NaHCO₃ (C) NaOH (D) NaCl

Answer: (A) Na₂CO₃

Detailed Solution:

1. Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) acts as flux
2. Function: Removes impurities as slag
3. Reaction: Forms low-melting compounds with impurities
4. Application: Used in extraction of metals from ores

Key Concept: Industrial applications of alkali compounds

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 14: NEET 2018

Statement: The element found in plants for regulating stomatal movement is:

Options: (A) Na (B) K (C) Ca (D) Mg

Answer: (B) K

Detailed Solution:

1. Potassium (K⁺) is crucial for plant functions:
   • Regulates stomatal opening and closing
   • Maintains turgor pressure in guard cells
   • Activates enzymes
   • Essential for photosynthesis

Key Concept: Biological importance of elements

Difficulty Level: Easy

2017 Questions

Question 15: NEET 2017

Statement: Which of the following compounds is used in the preparation of bleaching powder?

Options: (A) CaO (B) Ca(OH)₂ (C) CaCO₃ (D) CaCl₂

Answer: (B) Ca(OH)₂

Detailed Solution: Bleaching powder preparation:

1. Reaction: Ca(OH)₂ + Cl₂ → CaOCl₂ + H₂O
2. Product: Calcium hypochlorite (CaOCl₂)
3. Common name: Bleaching powder
4. Conditions: Slaked lime reacts with chlorine

Key Concept: Preparation of bleaching powder

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 16: NEET 2017

Statement: The metal extracted by electrolysis of its fused salt is:

Options: (A) Na (B) Mg (C) Al (D) Ca

Answer: (A) Na

Detailed Solution: Extraction methods:

1. Sodium (Na): Down’s process - Electrolysis of fused NaCl
2. Magnesium (Mg): Electrolysis of fused MgCl₂
3. Aluminum (Al): Electrolysis of Al₂O₃ in cryolite
4. Calcium (Ca): Electrolysis of fused CaCl₂

Most common answer in NEET context: Sodium extracted by electrolysis

Key Concept: Extraction methods of alkali and alkaline earth metals

Difficulty Level: Easy

2016 Questions

Question 17: NEET 2016 Phase I

Statement: Which of the following oxides reacts with both acids and bases?

Options: (A) Na₂O (B) MgO (C) Al₂O₃ (D) SiO₂

Answer: (C) Al₂O₃

Detailed Solution: Amphoteric oxides:

1. Al₂O₃: Amphoteric
   • With acid: Al₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂O
   • With base: Al₂O₃ + 2NaOH + 3H₂O → 2Na[Al(OH)₄]
2. Na₂O, MgO: Basic oxides
3. SiO₂: Acidic oxide

Key Concept: Amphoteric behavior

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 18: NEET 2016 Phase II

Statement: The compound used for softening hard water is:

Options: (A) Na₂CO₃ (B) NaHCO₃ (C) NaOH (D) NaCl

Answer: (A) Na₂CO₃

Detailed Solution: Water softening process:

1. Sodium carbonate (washing soda) precipitates Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺
2. Reactions:
   • CaSO₄ + Na₂CO₃ → CaCO₃↓ + Na₂SO₄
   • MgSO₄ + Na₂CO₃ → MgCO₃↓ + Na₂SO₄
3. Insoluble carbonates are removed by filtration

Key Concept: Water softening methods

Difficulty Level: Easy

2015 Questions

Question 19: AIPMT 2015

Statement: Which of the following is obtained from sea water?

Options: (A) Na (B) K (C) Ca (D) Mg

Answer: (D) Mg

Detailed Solution:

1. Magnesium is extracted from sea water
2. Sea water contains: 1.3 g of Mg²⁺ per liter
3. Extraction process:
   • Sea water + Ca(OH)₂ → Mg(OH)₂↓ + Ca²⁺
   • Mg(OH)₂ + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + 2H₂O
   • MgCl₂ → Mg (electrolysis)

Key Concept: Extraction from natural sources

Difficulty Level: Medium

Question 20: AIPMT 2015 Cancelled

Statement: The alkali metal that forms superoxide is:

Options: (A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Rb

Answer: (C) K

Detailed Solution: Oxide formation in alkali metals:

1. Li: Forms oxide (Li₂O)
2. Na: Forms peroxide (Na₂O₂)
3. K, Rb, Cs: Form superoxides (KO₂, RbO₂, CsO₂)

Reason: Larger cation size stabilizes larger O₂⁻ anion

Key Concept: Types of oxides formed by alkali metals

Difficulty Level: Medium

2014 Questions

Question 21: AIPMT 2014

Statement: Which of the following compounds is used as a refractory material?

Options: (A) MgO (B) CaO (C) BaO (D) Na₂O

Answer: (A) MgO

Detailed Solution: Refractory materials:

1. Magnesium oxide (MgO) has high melting point (2852°C)
2. Properties: High thermal stability, chemical inertness
3. Uses:
   • Furnace linings
   • Refractory bricks
   • High-temperature applications

Key Concept: Refractory materials

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 22: AIPMT 2014

Statement: The correct order of solubility of hydroxides is:

Options: (A) Be(OH)₂ < Mg(OH)₂ < Ca(OH)₂ < Sr(OH)₂ < Ba(OH)₂ (B) Ba(OH)₂ < Sr(OH)₂ < Ca(OH)₂ < Mg(OH)₂ < Be(OH)₂ (C) Mg(OH)₂ < Ca(OH)₂ < Sr(OH)₂ < Ba(OH)₂ < Be(OH)₂ (D) Ca(OH)₂ < Mg(OH)₂ < Be(OH)₂ < Sr(OH)₂ < Ba(OH)₂

Answer: (A) Be(OH)₂ < Mg(OH)₂ < Ca(OH)₂ < Sr(OH)₂ < Ba(OH)₂

Detailed Solution: Solubility trend of alkaline earth metal hydroxides:

1. General trend: Increases down the group
2. Reason: Lattice energy decreases faster than hydration energy
3. Order: Be(OH)₂ (insoluble) < Mg(OH)₂ (sparingly soluble) < Ca(OH)₂ (sparingly soluble) < Sr(OH)₂ (soluble) < Ba(OH)₂ (soluble)

Key Concept: Solubility trends of hydroxides

Difficulty Level: Medium

2013 Questions

Question 23: NEET 2013

Statement: Which of the following alkaline earth metal salts is used in fireworks?

Options: (A) MgCl₂ (B) CaCl₂ (C) SrCl₂ (D) BaCl₂

Answer: (D) BaCl₂

Detailed Solution:

1. Barium compounds in fireworks:
   • BaCl₂: Green color
   • Ba(NO₃)₂: Green color
2. Reason: Barium ions emit green light in flame
3. Flame test: Ba²⁺ - apple green color

Key Concept: Flame test and applications

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 24: NEET 2013

Statement: The compound used as a source of oxygen in spacecraft is:

Options: (A) Na₂O₂ (B) KO₂ (C) Li₂O (D) CaO₂

Answer: (B) KO₂

Detailed Solution:

1. Potassium superoxide (KO₂) in spacecraft:
   • Releases oxygen: 4KO₂ + 2H₂O → 4KOH + 3O₂
   • Absorbs CO₂: 2KOH + CO₂ → K₂CO₃ + H₂O
2. Dual function: Oxygen supply and CO₂ removal

Key Concept: Applications of superoxides

Difficulty Level: Medium

2012 Questions

Question 25: AIPMT 2012 Mains

Statement: Which of the following elements forms covalent compounds?

Options: (A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Cs

Answer: (A) Li

Detailed Solution:

1. Lithium forms covalent compounds due to:
   • Small size
   • High ionization energy
   • High polarizing power
2. Examples: LiCl (covalent), LiI (covalent)
3. Other alkali metals: Form predominantly ionic compounds

Key Concept: Covalent character in alkali metal compounds

Difficulty Level: Medium

Question 26: AIPMT 2012 Prelims

Statement: The correct order of ionic radii is:

Options: (A) Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Rb⁺ (B) Rb⁺ > K⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ (C) K⁺ > Rb⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ (D) Na⁺ > Li⁺ > K⁺ > Rb⁺

Answer: (B) Rb⁺ > K⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺

Detailed Solution: Ionic radii in alkali metal cations:

1. General trend: Increases down the group
2. Order: Li⁺ (76 pm) < Na⁺ (102 pm) < K⁺ (138 pm) < Rb⁺ (152 pm)
3. Reason: Addition of electron shells

Key Concept: Ionic radii trends

Difficulty Level: Easy

2011 Questions

Question 27: AIPMT 2011 Mains

Statement: Which of the following compounds is used in medicine as an antacid?

Options: (A) NaHCO₃ (B) Na₂CO₃ (C) NaOH (D) NaCl

Answer: (A) NaHCO₃

Detailed Solution:

1. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) as antacid:
   • Neutralizes excess stomach acid
   • Reaction: NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂
   • Mild and effective

Key Concept: Medical applications of alkali compounds

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 28: AIPMT 2011 Prelims

Statement: The element that does not react with water is:

Options: (A) Na (B) K (C) Mg (D) Ca

Answer: (C) Mg

Detailed Solution: Reaction with water:

1. Na, K: React vigorously with cold water
2. Ca: Reacts slowly with cold water
3. Mg: Does not react with cold water (reacts with hot water/steam)
   • Mg + 2H₂O (steam) → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂

Key Concept: Reactivity of metals with water

Difficulty Level: Easy

2010 Questions

Question 29: AIPMT 2010 Mains

Statement: Which of the following is used in the preparation of soap?

Options: (A) Na₂CO₃ (B) NaOH (C) NaHCO₃ (D) NaCl

Answer: (B) NaOH

Detailed Solution: Soap preparation (saponification):

1. Reaction: Fat + NaOH → Soap + Glycerol
2. Sodium hydroxide provides Na⁺ for soap formation
3. Process: Hydrolysis of triglycerides

Key Concept: Industrial applications of alkali compounds

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 30: AIPMT 2010 Prelims

Statement: The compound that gives lilac color in flame test is:

Options: (A) NaCl (B) KCl (C) CaCl₂ (D) BaCl₂

Answer: (B) KCl

Detailed Solution: Flame test colors:

1. Na⁺: Golden yellow
2. K⁺: Lilac (pale violet)
3. Ca²⁺: Brick red
4. Ba²⁺: Apple green

Key Concept: Flame test identification

Difficulty Level: Easy

2009 Questions

Question 31: AIPMT 2009

Statement: Which of the following compounds is used as a water softener?

Options: (A) Na₂CO₃ (B) NaHCO₃ (C) NaOH (D) NaCl

Answer: (A) Na₂CO₃

Detailed Solution:

1. Sodium carbonate precipitates Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions
2. Reactions:
   • Ca²⁺ + CO₃²⁻ → CaCO₃↓
   • Mg²⁺ + CO₃²⁻ → MgCO₃↓
3. Removes hardness by precipitation

Key Concept: Water softening mechanism

Difficulty Level: Easy

Question 32: AIPMT 2009

Statement: The alkali metal with highest density is:

Options: (A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Cs

Answer: (D) Cs

Detailed Solution: Density of alkali metals:

1. General trend: Increases down the group (Li to K)
2. Anomaly: K has lower density than Na
3. Order: Li (0.53) < Na (0.97) > K (0.86) < Rb (1.53) < Cs (1.93)
4. Cs has highest density

Key Concept: Density trends with anomalies

Difficulty Level: Medium

Topic-wise Analysis

1. Compound Preparation and Properties (35% of questions)

Key Concepts:

• Sodium carbonate (Solvay process)
• Bleaching powder preparation
• Soap and detergent preparation
• Water softening agents

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting intermediate steps in processes
• Confusing compounds and their uses
• Not knowing reaction conditions

2. Solubility and Thermal Stability (25% of questions)

Key Concepts:

• Solubility trends of sulfates, carbonates, hydroxides
• Thermal stability of carbonates
• Factors affecting solubility
• Exceptions to trends

Common Mistakes:

• Reversing solubility orders
• Not knowing exceptions
• Confusing thermal and solubility trends

3. Oxide Formation and Types (20% of questions)

Key Concepts:

• Types of oxides (oxide, peroxide, superoxide)
• Amphoteric behavior
• Acid-base nature of oxides
• Formation conditions

Common Mistakes:

• Not knowing which metal forms which oxide
• Confusing amphoteric and basic oxides
• Forgetting exceptions

4. Extraction Methods (10% of questions)

Key Concepts:

• Electrolytic reduction
• Down’s process for sodium
• Extraction from sea water
• Industrial processes

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing extraction methods
• Not knowing raw materials
• Forgoing process details

5. Applications and Uses (10% of questions)

Key Concepts:

• Medical applications
• Industrial uses
• Flame tests
• Biological importance

Common Mistakes:

• Not knowing specific uses
• Confusing compounds and applications
• Forgetting flame test colors

Year-wise Distribution

Concept Weightage Analysis

High Weightage Topics (20+ questions over 16 years):

1. Sodium Compounds - Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, NaOH
2. Solubility Trends - Sulfates, carbonates, hydroxides
3. Oxide Formation - Types and properties

Medium Weightage Topics (10-20 questions):

1. Calcium Compounds - CaO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃
2. Extraction Methods - Industrial processes
3. Flame Tests - Identification methods

Low Weightage Topics (<10 questions):

1. Biological Importance - Plant functions
2. Density and Physical Properties - Anomalies
3. Advanced Applications - Spacecraft, medical

Success Rate by Topic

Preparation Strategy

Phase 1: Concept Building (1 week)

1. Master compound preparations

   • Solvay process (detailed steps)
   • Bleaching powder preparation
   • Soap and detergent formation

2. Learn solubility trends

   • Make tables for different anions
   • Understand factors affecting solubility
   • Memorize exception cases

3. Study oxide formation

   • Types of oxides for each metal
   • Conditions for formation
   • Properties of each type

Phase 2: PYQ Practice (1 week)

1. Solve systematically

   • Group questions by topics
   • Identify repeated patterns
   • Focus on medium difficulty questions

2. Make comparison tables

   • Physical properties
   • Chemical properties
   • Uses and applications

3. Practice reactions

   • Write balanced equations
   • Learn conditions required
   • Understand mechanisms

Phase 3: Revision (3-4 days)

1. Quick reference sheets

   • Important reactions
   • Solubility tables
   • Applications summary

2. Practice tests

   • Time-bound solving
   • Focus on weak areas
   • Improve accuracy

Quick Reference Tables

Alkali Metal Compounds and Uses

Solubility Trends Summary

Oxide Types

Important Industrial Processes

Practice Questions

Additional Practice (Not in PYQs)

1. Question: Which compound is used for white washing? Answer: Ca(OH)₂ (slaked lime)

2. Question: The most abundant alkali metal in earth’s crust is: Answer: Na (2.6% by weight)

3. Question: Which alkali metal has highest ionization energy? Answer: Li

4. Question: The compound used in photography is: Answer: Na₂S₂O₃ (hypo)

5. Question: Which element is stored in kerosene? Answer: Na (reacts with air/moisture)

Video Resources

Chapter Videos

1. Alkali Metals - Properties and Compounds - 55 min
2. Alkaline Earth Metals - Complete Study - 50 min
3. Solvay Process - Detailed Mechanism - 40 min
4. Solubility Trends - Analysis - 45 min
5. Oxide Formation - Types and Properties - 35 min
6. PYQ Solutions (2009-2024) - 95 min

📺 Access Complete Video Playlist

Final Tips for Exam

During Exam

1. Identify the metal first - Group 1 or 2
2. Check the anion - Determine compound type
3. Apply appropriate trend - Solubility, reactivity
4. Consider exceptions - Special cases
5. Manage time - 45-60 seconds per question

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Don’t confuse compounds - Na₂CO₃ vs NaHCO₃
2. Don’t reverse trends - Check direction carefully
3. Don’t forget exceptions - Li behavior, solubility cases
4. Don’t mix uses - Match compounds to correct applications
5. Don’t ignore conditions - Temperature, pressure requirements

Summary

• Total Questions to Study: 32+ questions from 2009-2024
• Focus Areas: Compound preparation, solubility trends, oxide types
• Success Strategy: Master trends, memorize exceptions, practice reactions
• Time Allocation: 45-60 seconds per question in exam
• Target Score: Aim for 100% accuracy in this scoring chapter

This comprehensive coverage of S-Block Elements will help you master the alkali and alkaline earth metals concepts and score maximum marks in NEET Chemistry.

Compiled by SATHEE Team, IIT Kanpur | Last Updated: October 2024