Justify the position of hydrogen in the | Class 11 Chemistry Chapter Hydrogen, Hydrogen NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter Hydrogen. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 1: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 1:

Justify the position of hydrogen in the periodic table on the basis of its electronic configuration.

Answer:

Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table & often called protium. Its electronic configuration is [1s1]. Due to the presence of only one electron in its 1s shell, hydrogen exhibits a dual behaviour, i.e., it resembles both alkali metals and halogens. As a result it is placed at the top of the alkali metals in group 1 & also along the halogens in group 17 since just like halogens,it also requires any one electron to have the configuration of the nearest noble gas element..The dual nature of hydrogen can be justified by following points:

Resemblance with alkali metals:

1. Like alkali metals, hydrogen contains one valence electron in its valence shell.

H : 1s1          

Li : 1s2 2s1

Na : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1

Hence, it can lose one electron to form a unipositive ion.

2 Both hydrogen & alkali metals form monovalent cations by losing the electrons in the valence shell,showing hydrogens electropositive character similar to alkali metals.

H --------> H+  + e- , Na  ---------->Na+   +   e-

3 In their compounds both hydrogen & alkali metals show +1 oxidation states. Eg Hcl  & Nacl

4 Both hydrogen & alkali metals are electropositive in nature,they have affinity for the electronegative elements & readily combine with them & form oxides, halides, and sulphides.

Resemblance with halogens:

1. Both hydrogen and halogens require one electron to complete their octets.

H : 1s1

F : 1s2 2s2 2p5

Cl : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5

Hence, hydrogen can gain one electron to form a uninegative ion.

2. Like halogens, it forms a diatomic molecule and several covalent compounds.

Though hydrogen shows some similarity with both alkali metals and halogens, it differs from them on some grounds. Unlike alkali metals, hydrogen does not possess metallic characteristics. On the other hand, it possesses a high ionization enthalpy. Also, it is less reactive than halogens.

Owing to these reasons, hydrogen cannot be placed with alkali metals (group I) or with halogens (group VII). In addition, it was also established that H+ ions cannot exist freely as they are extremely small. H+ ions are always associated with other atoms or molecules. Hence, hydrogen is best placed separately in the periodic table.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Hydrogen.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Simple and Compound Interest Formulas with Questions

Interest is one of the most significant ideas in maths and financial calculations. It is very common in banking, loan applications, investments, saving account and competitive exams. Simple Interest and Compound Interest make it easier to find out how much more is earned and/or paid on a principal during the period of time. These Interest … Read more

Read More

Spoken English Course Topics for Beginners in 2026

In 2026, students, professionals, and job seekers must have a high level of spoken English. Spoken English is a beginner level course to enhance learners’ communication skills in English, their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar structure and confidence in speaking English fluently. Today, the emphasis of spoken English courses is placed on actual conversations, everyday speech practice … Read more

Read More

Difference Between AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the most sought-after technologies in today’s digital era. Although these terms are often used together, they are not the same. Machine Learning is, in fact, a component of Artificial Intelligence that enables systems to learn and enhance on their own, without direct programming. AI is … Read more

Read More

Time, Speed and Distance Formulas

Time, Speed, and Distance are some of the most important concepts in mathematics and aptitude. These are the concepts which are used to calculate the speed of an object, time taken for an object to move and the distance traveled during the motion. Questions from this topic are frequently seen in School Tests, Competitive Tests, … Read more

Read More

Comments

  • gina
  • May 17, 2020

It's very useful


  • Abigail
  • Nov 30, 2019

It's educating


  • kasif the king
  • Nov 04, 2019

well explained


  • Hey hey
  • Sep 22, 2019

Hey hey


  • Kavya
  • Aug 20, 2019

Thank u


  • Bajwa
  • Aug 01, 2019

It is very good


  • AviPrince
  • Feb 27, 2018

why u don\'t given all questions answer...😬


  • AviPrince
  • Feb 27, 2018

why u don't given all questions answer...😬


  • kanishk
  • Feb 08, 2018

nice iits really helpful


  • soniya
  • Feb 25, 2017

It was so very helpful Thank u so mch 😙


Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 1: Justify the position of hydrogen in the periodic table on the basis of its electronic configuration.....