Question

Which options correctly describe similarities between the elements boron (B), aluminum (Al), and gallium (Ga)? Select all that apply. Hint: Review your periodic table.

All three elements are part of the boron family.

All three elements tend to form ionic compounds that cannot be dissolved in water.

All three elements tend to form 3+ cations when reacting with metals.

All three elements have five valence electrons.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct statements are all three elements are part of the boron family and all three elements tend to form
`3^+` cations when reacting with metals.

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given three elements Boron (B), Aluminium (Al) and Gallium (Ga).

All the elements written above belong to Group 13 and this group elements are known as Boron family.

The valence electronic configuration of the elements belonging to this group is
`ns^2np^1` where 'n' is the period number.

The number of valence electrons of these elements are 3.

These elements will loose 3 electrons in order to attain stable electronic configuration. Thus, after loosing 3 electrons, they will form +3 cations.

From the given elements, only boron forms covalent compounds. Rest all the elements forms ionic compounds.

Hence, the correct statements are all three elements are part of the boron family and all three elements tend to form
`3^+` cations when reacting with metals.

Answer 2

Answer : The correct options are,

• All three elements are part of the boron family.
• All three elements tend to form 3+ cations when reacting with metals.

Explanation :

The elements boron, aluminium and gallium are belongs to group 13.

The similar properties of elements of boron family elements are :

• General group valence electronic configuration is,
  `ns^2np^1`.

• Total number of valence electron in each element is 3.

• These elements show (+3) oxidation state. So, these elements tend to form (+3) cations when reacting with metals.

Boron does not form ionic compound, it always form covalent compound by sharing of valence electrons because of the small size.

While aluminium and gallium form both ionic and covalent compound.