Anomalous Properties
Which property makes oxygen anomalous in group 16?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Smallest size and high electronegativity
The first element of any group in the p-block (like Oxygen) shows behavior different from other members of its group.
- Oxygen is anomalous because of:
- Extremely Small Size.
- High Electronegativity (second only to Fluorine).
- Non-availability of valence d-orbitals.
- This leads to peculiar behaviors such as the ability to form strong hydrogen bonds (unlike S), gas state at STP (O2 vs S8), and a maximum coordination number of 4.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- classification of elements and periodicity in properties
- Topic
- anomalous properties
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Smallest size and high electronegativity
The first element of any group in the p-block (like Oxygen) shows behavior different from other members of its group.
- Oxygen is anomalous because of:
- Extremely Small Size.
- High Electronegativity (second only to Fluorine).
- Non-availability of valence d-orbitals.
- This leads to peculiar behaviors such as the ability to form strong hydrogen bonds (unlike S), gas state at STP (O2 vs S8), and a maximum coordination number of 4.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter classification of elements and periodicity in properties, covering the topic of anomalous properties. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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