Q.

Mendeleev predicted the existence of two elements and named them eka-silicon (later called germanium) and eka-aluminium (later called gallium). How many valence electrons are present in each one of them?

see full answer

Start JEE / NEET / Foundation preparation at rupees 99/day !!

21% of IItians & 23% of AIIMS delhi doctors are from Sri Chaitanya institute !!
An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

a

 Germanium- 4; Gallium-5

b

 Germanium- 4; Gallium-3

c

 Germanium- 3; Gallium-4 

d

 Germanium- 5; Gallium-4

answer is C.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Check your Performance Today with our Free Mock Test used by Toppers!

Take Free Test

Detailed Solution

detailed_solution_thumbnail

The two newly predicted elements by Mendeleev were termed Eka-silicon and eka-aluminium. They were termed like this because of the similarity of their properties towards aluminium and silicon.

The Eka-silicon was later called germanium, and eka-aluminium was later known as gallium. 
1. Germanium (Ge) - Eka-silicon: 
Germanium (Ge) has an atomic number of 32. It is located in Group 14 of the periodic table. Elements in Group 14 have 4 valence electrons, and thus, germanium has a valency of 4.

2. Gallium (Ga) - Eka-aluminium: 
Gallium (Ga) has an atomic number of 31. It is located in Group 13 of the periodic table. Elements in Group 13 have 3 valence electrons, and thus, gallium has a valency of 3.

Hence, Germanium and gallium have 4 and 3 valence electrons, respectively.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity
score_test_img

Get Expert Academic Guidance – Connect with a Counselor Today!

whats app icon
Mendeleev predicted the existence of two elements and named them eka-silicon (later called germanium) and eka-aluminium (later called gallium). How many valence electrons are present in each one of them?