The characteristics of elements X, Y and Z with atomic numbers, respectively, 33, 53 and 83 are:
Classification of Elements & Periodicity · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question
The characteristics of elements X, Y and Z with atomic numbers, respectively, 33, 53 and 83 are:
- a
X and Y are metalloids and Z is a metal
- b✓
X is a metalloid, Y is a non-metal and Z is a metal
- c
X, Y and Z are metals
- d
X and Z are non-metals and Y is a metalloid
X is a metalloid, Y is a non-metal and Z is a metal
🧠 Identify each element from its atomic number, then place it on the metal–non-metal map The trick is to know where the staircase line cuts: elements like B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te are metalloids. Above the line is non-metal, below is metal.
🗺️ Identify X, Y, Z : Arsenic (As). Group 15, Period 4. Sits right on the staircase → metalloid. : Iodine (I). Group 17, Period 5. Halogen, well above the staircase → non-metal. : Bismuth (Bi). Group 15, Period 6. Heavy post-transition element below the staircase → metal.
So: X = metalloid, Y = non-metal, Z = metal. That is option (b).
⚠️ The trap Option (a) calls iodine () a metalloid. Iodine looks shiny in solid form and conducts a tiny bit, which fools students. But its chemistry is fully non-metallic — it forms anions like and acidic oxoacids. Don't go by appearance; go by chemistry.
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