Anomalous Behavior Of Beryllium
Chapter Name : The S- Block Elements |
Sub Topic Code : 102_11_10_09_01 |
Topic Name : Anomalous Behavior Of Beryllium |
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Sub Topic Name : Anomalous Behavior Of Beryllium |
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Introduction
• Beryllium, the first member of the group 2 metals, shows anomalous behavior as compared to magnesium and rest of the metals. • It also shows diagonal relationship to aluminium. • Beryllium has extremely small atomic and ionic sizes and thus does not compare well with other members of the group. • Because of high ionisation enthalpy and small size it forms compounds which are largely covalent and get easily hydrolysed. • Beryllium does not exhibit coordination number more than four as in its valence shell there are only four orbitals. • The remaining members of the group can have a coordination number of six by making use of d-orbitals. • The oxide and hydroxide of beryllium, unlike the hydroxides of other elements in the group, are amphoteric in nature.
Pre-Requisites:
Alkali earth metals, elements, periodic table
Activity:
Beryllium alloys are used in the aerospace industry as light-weight materials for high performance aircraft, satellites and spacecraft.
Real Life Question:
What type of alloy does light weight aircraft has?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| amphoteric | • Acts as both an acid and a base. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Periodic table | Look at the elements present in the group 2 of the periodic table. |
Real life uses :
Beryllium alloys are used in the aerospace industry as light-weight materials for high performance aircraft, satellites and spacecraft.
Places to visit :
Airport, pathology center.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Light weight aircraft | These use beryllium alloys. |
What you learn in Theory:
• Beryllium, the first member of the group 2 metals, shows anomalous behaviour as compared to magnesium and rest of the metals. • It also shows diagonal relationship to aluminium. • Beryllium has extremely small atomic and ionic sizes and thus does not compare well with other members of the group. • Because of high ionisation enthalpy and small size it forms compounds which are largely covalent and get easily hydrolyzed. • Beryllium does not exhibit coordination number more than four as in its valence shell there are only four orbitals. • The remaining members of the group can have a coordination number of six by making use of d-orbitals. • The oxide and hydroxide of beryllium, unlike the hydroxides of other elements in the group, are amphoteric in nature.
What you learn in Practice:
• Beryllium alloys are used in the aerospace industry as light-weight materials for high performance aircraft, satellites and spacecraft.