Question

Which among the given elements form the strongest base?

(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
(f) F
(g) G

Answer 1

Hint: A base is a substance which has the tendency to lose the electrons and in the periodic table, as we move across a period, the losing tendency of an element decreases whereas on the other hand, as we move down the group, the losing tendency of an element increases. Now using this answer the statement accordingly.

Complete answer:
First of all, let’s discuss what a base is. A base is a substance which has the tendency to lose electrons easily.
We can also define base as those substances or the compounds which have a strong tendency to lose the hydroxyl ions i.e.-OH ions.
Now considering three statement as;
In the periodic table , the elements are arranged in the increasing order of their atomic numbers.
From the periodic table, we come to know the elements A,B, C,D , E, F,G and H are the alkali metals and the alkaline earth metals. These are;- lithium, beryllium, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, rubidium and strontium.
In the periodic table, as we move from right to left , the tendency of the elements to lose the electrons decreases whereas to gain the electrons increases. So, thus, the acidic character increases as we move across the group and the basic character decreases.
Whereas on the other hand, as we move from top to bottom , the tendency of the elements to lose the electrons increases whereas to gain the electrons decreases. So, thus, the basic character increases as we move down the group and the acidic character decreases.
So, the increasing order of the basic character of the elements as;
Beryllium < lithium < magnesium < sodium < calcium < potassium < strontium < rubidium.
Hence, the strongest base is rubidium (G).

So, the correct answer is “Option G”.

Note:
As the basic character of an element increases as we move down the down , the tendency of an element to lose the electron also increases and therefore, its metallic character also increases. On the other hand, as the basic character decreases across a period, the metallic character also decreases.