JEE Main 2026 — Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Question with Solution
JEE Main 2026 (24 January Shift 1)
Question
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: is the correct order in terms of metallic character.
Statement II: Atomic radius is always greater than the ionic radius for any element.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Statement I: is the correct order in terms of metallic character.
Statement II: Atomic radius is always greater than the ionic radius for any element.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: D
Correct answer
DStatement I is true but Statement II is false
Step-by-step explanation
Statement I: Metallic character decreases from left to right across a period and increases down a group. K (Group 1, Period 4) is the most metallic element among these. Mg (Group 2, Period 3) is less metallic than K. Al (Group 13, Period 3) is less metallic than Mg. B (Group 13, Period 2) is a metalloid with the least metallic character. The order K > Mg > Al > B correctly represents decreasing metallic character. TRUE.
Statement II: Atomic radius compared to ionic radius depends on whether the ion is a cation or anion. For metals forming cations: atomic radius > cationic radius (e.g., Na > Na⁺). However, for nonmetals forming anions: atomic radius < anionic radius (e.g., Cl < Cl⁻). The statement claims atomic radius is ALWAYS greater for ANY element, which is incorrect because anions have larger radii than their parent atoms. FALSE.
Correct answer: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
Statement II: Atomic radius compared to ionic radius depends on whether the ion is a cation or anion. For metals forming cations: atomic radius > cationic radius (e.g., Na > Na⁺). However, for nonmetals forming anions: atomic radius < anionic radius (e.g., Cl < Cl⁻). The statement claims atomic radius is ALWAYS greater for ANY element, which is incorrect because anions have larger radii than their parent atoms. FALSE.
Correct answer: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
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This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2026, covering the Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties chapter of Chemistry. PrepSharp catalogues every PYQ from JEE Main with a verified answer key and step-by-step solution prepared by IIT alumni — so you can search by chapter, topic or year and revise efficiently.