JEE Main Chemistry · p-Block Elements PYQ

JEE Main p-Block Elements PYQ (2002–2026)

Q: How many p-Block PYQs should I solve?

Target 70–90 PYQs across 2010–2026. Given the direct NCERT derivation, consistent practice builds strong recall patterns NTA tests.

Q: Is NCERT Class 12 Chapter 7 enough for p-Block?

Yes — NCERT Ch 7 (p-Block Class 12) plus selected portions from Ch 11 (p-Block Class 11) cover the full JEE Main syllabus for this chapter. Coaching notes add marginal value.

Q: Which group is most tested in PYQs?

Groups 15 and 17 — Nitrogen family and Halogens — together account for ~50% of p-Block PYQs. Focus here first.

Q: How detailed should my knowledge of silicones be?

Structure (-(R)₂SiO-), preparation via hydrolysis of R₂SiCl₂, physical properties (thermally stable, water-repellent), applications. NCERT coverage is sufficient.

Q: Do I need to memorise all oxoacids of sulfur?

Yes — H₂SO₃, H₂SO₄, H₂S₂O₇ (oleum), H₂S₂O₃, H₂S₂O₈ (persulphuric). Know structures, oxidation states of S in each, and preparation conditions.

Q: Why is noble gas chemistry relevant if they're called 'inert'?

Xenon forms compounds with F and O due to large size and low IE. XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆, XeO₃ appear in PYQs for structure, preparation and hybridisation questions.

p-Block Elements is a P1 Inorganic Chemistry chapter — ~5% JEE Main weightage with 1–2 questions per session. NCERT-line-derived and recall-heavy, the chapter spans 6 groups (13-18) with distinctive trends, compounds and anomalous first-row properties.

p-Block PYQs from 2002 to 2026, tagged by group and compound type. Every solution cites the NCERT Class 11/12 line or reaction scheme the question tests.

Practise p-Block Elements (Groups 13-18) PYQs All Chemistry PYQs

p-Block Elements (Groups 13-18) at a Glance

Weightage

~5%

approx · 10-yr avg

Priority

Must master

Year range

2002–2026

PYQ coverage

Typical in paper

1–2

per session

Try 5 Real p-Block Elements (Groups 13-18) PYQs

5 real JEE Main questions on p-Block Elements (Groups 13-18), straight from past papers. Try them, then check the answer.

Q1JEE Main 2026 (Online) 28th January Morning Shift
Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements $\mathrm{EH}_3(\mathrm{E}$${}=\mathrm{N}, \mathrm{P}, \mathrm{As}, \mathrm{Sb})$, select the correct statement from the following :

A. The stability of hydrides decreases down the group.

B. The basicity of hydrides decreases down the group.

C. The reducing character increases down the group.

D. The boiling point increases down the group.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
1. $A, B & C only$
2. $A, B, C& D$
3. $A & D only$
4. $B & C only$
Step-by-step solution — free with sign-up
Q2JEE Main 2025 (Online) 23rd January Morning Shift
The incorrect statement among the following is
1. $$\mathrm{PH}_3$ shows lower proton affinity than $\mathrm{NH}_3$.$
2. $$\mathrm{SO}_2$ can act as an oxidizing agent, but not as a reducing agent.$
3. $$\mathrm{NO}_2$ can dimerise easily.$
4. $$\mathrm{PF}_3$ exists but $\mathrm{NF}_5$ does not.$
Step-by-step solution — free with sign-up
Q3JEE Main 2024 (Online) 8th April Evening Shift
In qualitative test for identification of presence of phosphorous, the compound is heated with an oxidising agent. Which is further treated with nitric acid and ammonium molybdate respectively. The yellow coloured precipitate obtained is :
1. $\mathrm{Na}_3 \mathrm{PO}_4 \cdot 12 \mathrm{MoO}_3$
2. $\left(\mathrm{NH}_4\right)_3 \mathrm{PO}_4 \cdot 12\left(\mathrm{NH}_4\right)_2 \mathrm{MoO}_4$
3. $\mathrm{MoPO}_4 \cdot 21 \mathrm{NH}_4 \mathrm{NO}_3$
4. $\left(\mathrm{NH}_4\right)_3 \mathrm{PO}_4 \cdot 12 \mathrm{MoO}_3$
Step-by-step solution — free with sign-up
Q4JEE Main 2023 (Online) 11th April Evening Shift
Which one of the following pairs is an example of polar molecular solids?
1. $\mathrm{HCl}(\mathrm{s}), \mathrm{AlN}(\mathrm{s})$
2. $\mathrm{MgO}(\mathrm{s}), \mathrm{SO}_{2}(\mathrm{s})$
3. $\mathrm{SO}_{2}(\mathrm{s}), \mathrm{NH}_{3}(\mathrm{s})$
4. $\mathrm{SO}_{2}(\mathrm{s}), \mathrm{CO}_{2}(\mathrm{s})$
Step-by-step solution — free with sign-up
Q5JEE Main 2022 (Online) 25th July Morning Shift
The interhalogen compound formed from the reaction of bromine with excess of fluorine is a :
1. $hypohalite$
2. $halate$
3. $perhalate$
4. $halite$
Step-by-step solution — free with sign-up

Practise the full p-Block Elements (Groups 13-18) set

Every past-paper question of this chapter, with solutions, timing and your accuracy tracked.

Practise the full set free

Key Sub-Topics & What's Tested

Group 13 (Boron Family)

Boron anomalies, boric acid (Lewis acid), borax structure, boranes (B₂H₆ banana bonds), aluminium chemistry (amphoteric oxide).

Group 14 (Carbon Family)

Catenation trend, diamond/graphite/fullerenes, silicon-silicates-silicones, lead's stability in +2 (inert pair effect).

Group 15 (Nitrogen Family)

N₂ inertness, oxides of nitrogen, HNO₃ preparation (Ostwald), phosphorus allotropes (white, red, black), phosphoric acids, phosphine.

Group 16 (Oxygen Family)

Ozone (preparation, properties), sulfuric acid (Contact process), oxides of sulfur, tellurium/polonium.

Group 17 (Halogens)

Reactivity trend (F > Cl > Br > I), interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of chlorine (HClO, HClO₂, HClO₃, HClO₄), anomalous fluorine.

Group 18 (Noble Gases)

Inertness reasons, noble gas compounds (XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆, XeO₃), xenon oxide structures, commercial uses of noble gases.

Anomalous Properties

First element of each group shows anomalous behaviour due to small size, high electronegativity, absence of d-orbitals.

Diagonal Relationship

B-Si, C-P, N-S diagonal similarities in properties. Due to similar charge/size ratios.

Question Type Distribution

Question Type	Share (approx)	Example Pattern
Compound Preparation / Property	30%	Identify product when concentrated H₂SO₄ reacts with NaCl.
Trend Identification	20%	Arrange HF, HCl, HBr, HI in order of increasing boiling point.
Anomalous Properties	15%	Why does fluorine not show positive oxidation states while chlorine does?
Structure Identification	15%	Identify the structure of Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O (borax).
Reaction Product	10%	What is the product of hydrolysis of NCl₃?
Oxoacid Comparison	10%	Arrange oxoacids of chlorine (HClO, HClO₂, HClO₃, HClO₄) in increasing acidic strength.

How to Solve p-Block Elements (Groups 13-18) PYQs

1
Read NCERT Class 12 Ch 7 cover-to-cover, 3 times. p-Block questions are NCERT-line-level — three passes lock in phrasing NTA reuses.
2
Memorise group trends rigorously. IE, EA, electronegativity, atomic radius, metallic character — know direction of trend down each group and across each period.
3
Anomalous first-element behaviour: four reasons. Small size, high electronegativity, absence of d-orbitals, high charge density. Apply these to explain any anomaly.
4
For oxoacid acidity, more oxygens = more acidic. HClO < HClO₂ < HClO₃ < HClO₄. More oxygens pull electron density, stabilising conjugate base.
5
Manufacturing reactions: know key conditions. Ostwald (NH₃ → NO), Contact (SO₂ → SO₃ with V₂O₅ catalyst), Haber (N₂ + H₂ → NH₃) — temperature, catalyst, pressure.

Common Mistakes That Cost Marks

Reversing group trends down vs across. Electronegativity INCREASES across period, DECREASES down group. Confusing direction flips most answers.
Treating fluorine like other halogens. F has no positive oxidation states (most electronegative). F oxoacids are weaker than expected. Strong exception.
Wrong bond in diborane. B₂H₆ has 2 three-centre two-electron (banana) bonds plus 4 regular B-H bonds. Not just 6 regular bonds.
Forgetting inert pair effect for Group 14/15 bottom elements. Pb prefers +2 over +4 (opposite to C, Si). Bi prefers +3 over +5.
Confusing HNO₃ and HNO₂ reactions. HNO₃ is strong oxidising acid. HNO₂ disproportionates in water. Different behaviours.

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Frequently asked questions

How many p-Block PYQs should I solve?