Question

Which one of the following elements is represented as Eka-silicon in Mendeleev's periodic table?

• A. Gallium
• B. Germanium
• C. Aluminium
• D. Tin
• E. Arsenic

Hint:

Mendeleev's periodic table had gaps for undiscovered elements. Eka-silicon was one such gap, which was later filled by the discovery of germanium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In Mendeleev’s periodic table, Eka-silicon was the name given to an undiscovered element that was predicted by Mendeleev to have properties similar to silicon. This element was later discovered and named germanium.

Step 1: Eka-silicon prediction.
Mendeleev, while arranging the elements in his periodic table, left gaps for undiscovered elements. One such element was predicted to be similar to silicon, and Mendeleev called it "Eka-silicon."

Step 2: Discovery of germanium.
Later, germanium was discovered and found to have similar properties to silicon, confirming Mendeleev's prediction. Therefore, germanium is the element represented as Eka-silicon in Mendeleev's periodic table.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the element represented as Eka-silicon is germanium, which corresponds to option (B).

Final Answer: (B) Germanium