When the melting points of Group 14 elements (from Carbon to Lead) are plotted against their atomic numbers, the curve shows a continuous decrease down the group but exhibits a distinct minimum before rising slightly for the heaviest elemen

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When the melting points of Group 14 elements (from Carbon to Lead) are plotted against their atomic numbers, the curve shows a continuous decrease down the group but exhibits a distinct minimum before rising slightly for the heaviest element. The element situated at this minimum is :

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Correct answer: A. Sn

The melting point of Group 14 elements generally decreases down the group due to the increase in atomic size and weakening of interatomic forces. However, there is an anomaly at the bottom of the group. The order of melting points is C > Si > Ge > Pb > Sn . Tin ( Sn ) has a lower melting point than Lead ( Pb ) due to differences in their solid-state structures and metallic bonding strength. Therefore, the minimum on the melting point versus atomic number curve corresponds to Tin ( Sn ). Answer: Sn

When the melting points of Group 14 elements (from Carbon to Lead) are plotted against their atomic numbers, the curve shows a continuous decrease down the group but exhibits a distinct minimum before rising slightly for the heaviest element. The element situated at this minimum is :

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