Short questions in board exams usually come from these topics:

1. What is the periodic table?

Define the periodic table and explain how elements are arranged in it.

2. What are periods and groups?

Explain the difference between periods (horizontal rows) and groups (vertical columns) in the periodic table.

3. What are metals, non-metals, and metalloids?

Define each and give their positions in the periodic table.

4. What are the four blocks of the periodic table?

Name the four blocks (s, p, d, f) and explain what they represent.

5. What is the period number (n)?

Recognize that the period number (n) represents the outer energy level occupied by electrons.

6. How can you find electron configuration from the periodic table?

Explain how the position of an element on the periodic table helps you deduce its electron configuration.

7. What is atomic radius and how does it trend?

Define atomic radius. Explain how it changes across a period and down a group.

8. What is ionization energy?

Define ionization energy and explain the trend in ionization energy across a period and down a group.

9. What is electron affinity?

Define electron affinity and explain the trend in electron affinity.

10. What is electronegativity?

Define electronegativity and explain how it varies in the periodic table.

11. Why do metallic properties decrease across a period?

Explain the reason for the decrease in metallic character across a period.

12. Why do non-metallic properties increase across a period?

Explain the reason for the increase in non-metallic character across a period.

13. What are acidic and basic oxides?

Give examples of acidic oxides (e.g., CO₂, SO₂) and basic oxides (e.g., Na₂O, MgO).

14. What is an amphoteric oxide?

Define amphoteric oxide and give an example (e.g., Al₂O₃).

15. What happens when oxides react with water?

Write the general reaction of acidic and basic oxides with water. Give the pH of the resulting solution.

16. What are the reactions of Na and Mg with oxygen?

Write simple equations for Na reacting with O₂ and Mg reacting with O₂.

17. How do chlorides react with water?

Explain the reaction of chlorides with water and the resulting pH.

18. What is the oxidation number trend in oxides and chlorides?

Explain the variation of oxidation numbers in oxides and chlorides using valence electrons.

19. Why are trends in metallic and non-metallic behavior due to valence electrons?

Explain the relationship between valence electrons and metallic/non-metallic behavior.

20. What is the shielding effect and how does it affect trends?

Define the shielding effect and explain how it influences atomic radius and ionization energy.