Question

Describe the general trends in the following properties of the elements in Groups 13 and 14.

Atomic size

Answer 1

Grp-13 The atomic size of the boron family follows the irregular trend. Generally, down the group the size increases but Gallium has a smaller atomic radius than Aluminium due to the poor shielding effect of 3d-orbitals.

Order: B < Ga < Al < In < Ti

Grp-14 The size of the carbon family is smaller than the modern family and as we move down the group the atomic size increases regularly. The increase in covalent radius from carbon to silicon is prominent while from Silicon to lead a small increase in covalent radius is observed; this is due to the presence of completely filled D and f-orbital in the heavier members.

Order: C < Si < Ge < Sn < Pb