Q6
2 marksShort AnswerSection A

An element 'X' has atomic number 13 : (a) Write its electron configuration. (b) State the group to which 'X' belongs ? (c) Is 'X' a metal or a non-metal ? (d) Write the formula of its bromide.

Metals and Non-metals
Chemical Properties of Metals
Official Answer

(a) Electronic Configuration:

The electronic configuration of element X\text{X} (Atomic number 13) is 2,8,32, 8, 3.


(b) Group Number:

Element X\text{X} belongs to Group 13 of the Modern Periodic Table.

(Reason: Since it has 3 valence electrons, its group number is 10+3=1310 + 3 = 13.)


(c) Metal or Non-metal:

X\text{X} is a metal.

(Reason: It has 3 valence electrons in its outermost shell, which it can easily lose to form a stable positive ion/cation, X3+\text{X}^{3+}.)


(d) Formula of its Bromide:

The valency of X\text{X} is 33 and the valency of Bromine (Br\text{Br}) is 11. By crossing over their valencies:

Formula=XBr3\text{Formula} = \text{XBr}_3

2, 8, 3Group 13metallose electronsXBr3valency

Marking Scheme

  • 10.5 marks
  • 20.5 marks
  • 30.5 marks
  • 40.5 marks

Hint

Atomic number 13 means there are 13 electrons. Distribute them in shells: 2 in the first, 8 in the second, and the rest in the third. Use the valence electrons to find the group, metallic character, and chemical formula.

Quick Oral Answer

Element X\text{X} is Aluminium. Its configuration is 2,8,32, 8, 3. It belongs to Group 13, is a metal because it loses 3 electrons, and forms the bromide AlBr3\text{AlBr}_3 (or XBr3\text{XBr}_3).

Analysis & Explanation

Element X\text{X} with atomic number 13 is Aluminium (Al\text{Al}). Aluminium is a highly useful metal known for forming a protective oxide layer (as discussed in Section 3.2.1 on anodising). Because it has three valence electrons, it readily loses them to achieve the stable noble gas configuration of Neon (2,82, 8). This electron-donating behavior defines its metallic character. When reacting with halogens like Bromine, which require one electron to complete their octet, one atom of X\text{X} combines with three atoms of Bromine, yielding the ionic/covalent-character compound XBr3\text{XBr}_3 (Aluminium bromide).

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Writing the group number as 3 instead of 13.
  2. 2Writing the formula of bromide as XBr\text{XBr} or X3Br\text{X}_3\text{Br} instead of XBr3\text{XBr}_3.
  3. 3Failing to provide reasons for why it is classified as a metal.

Interesting Facts

Element 13 is Aluminium, which is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust, yet it was once more valuable than gold because of how difficult it was to extract!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?

This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Metals and Non-metals" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Chemical Properties of Metals" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.