MDCAT s- & p-Block Elements 2026

s-Block

• Group 1 (alkali metals): Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs. Soft, low mp, react vigorously with water
• Group 2 (alkaline earth): Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba. Harder than Group 1, less reactive
• Down each group: reactivity increases, ionisation energy decreases

p-Block Highlights

• Group 17 (halogens): F, Cl, Br, I. Most reactive nonmetals. Oxidising power: F > Cl > Br > I
• Group 18 (noble gases): full octet, generally inert. Xe forms some compounds with F
• Boron acid (H₃BO₃), Aluminium amphoteric (reacts with both acid and base)