Question

Which of the following groups contain metals, nonmetals and metalloids?
A.Group 17
B.Group 14
C.Group 13
D.Group 12

Answer 1

Hint: We know that modern periodic law states that properties (physical and chemical) of elements are periodic functions of atomic numbers. Considering this law, periodic tables are constructed to classify elements in increasing order of atomic number.

Complete step by step answer:
First we discuss metals, nonmetals and metalloids. Metals are those elements which can donate electrons to achieve stable configuration whereas non-metals are those elements which can accept electrons to achieve stable configuration. Metalloids are those elements which possess properties of both metals and nonmetals. Some examples of metals are sodium, potassium etc. Some examples of non-metals are oxygen, carbon etc. and some metalloids are boron, silicon etc.
Here, we have to identify the group which contains metals, metalloids and nonmetals.
Let’s discuss all the options one by one.
Option A is group 17. We know that group 17 consists of halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine (halogens are non-metals) and astatine which is a metalloid but non non-metals present in the group.
Option B is group 14. Group 14 is the carbon family consisting of non-metals (carbon and silicon), metalloid (germanium) and metal (lead and tin).
Option C is group 13. Group 13 is the boron family which contains metalloids (Boron) and metals (aluminium, gallium, indium, thallium).
Option D is group 12. Group 12 consists of metals (Zinc, Cadmium, mercury).
So, we get to know that group 14 consists of metals, nonmetals and metalloids.

So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note:
Modern periodic table has 18 groups and seven periods. Periodic table is divided into four blocks, s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block. Group 1 and 2 is collectively called as s-block, group 3 to 12 is d-block, group 13 to 18 is p-block and lanthanides and actinides are grouped in f-block.