Question

An element which is an essential constituent of all organic compounds belongs to:
(A) Group 1
(B) Group 14
(C) Group 15
(D) Group 16

Answer 1

To answer this question, you must recall the arrangement of elements in the periodic table and the properties of the elements of different groups. The periodic table is a very useful tool for studying the properties of elements and their relations to each other. The element essential is the main component of organic chemistry.

Complete step by step solution
Organic compounds contain a large number of long chains and rings formed majorly by the self- linking of atoms. This property is shown by a very few elements namely, carbon, silicon, sulphur and boron.
Of these elements, carbon forms the most stable single bond with itself and is thus known best for its catenation properties. All elements of the carbon family exhibit catenation but not to an extent as large as that of carbon. The tendency to show catenation decreases as we move down the group. A large number of organic compounds are formed by the catenation properties of carbon.
Thus, carbon is the most essential constituent of organic compounds and it belongs to the group 14.
Thus, the correct answer is B.

Note
Catenation is termed as the bonding of the atoms of the same element to form a long chain. Carbon can very easily form long chains and high mass structures by forming covalent bonds with other carbon atoms. Thus, it is most vastly present in a number of organic compounds. The catenation tendency decreases down the group with increasing size of the element which causes decrease in the strength of the covalent bonds.