Question

Na and Mg are also called bridge elements since they link Group IA and Group IB".
State whether the above statement is true or false.

Answer 1

1. Bridge elements are those elements which come under the second period.
2. Na and Mg are linked to Group IA and IB, and they are forming a bridge with the elements which are placed diagonally opposite to Na and Mg, and the properties of both the elements are similar due to electronegativity.

Complete answer:
The elements of group 2 are termed as bridge element, the basic cause behind this is that these elements are cordially related to that elements which are in the next group or which are placed to the diagonally to the given element, due to that there is a formation of virtual bridge between particular element and the element placed at diagonally placed diagonally to it, due to the formation of virtual bridge between these two elements, they are termed as “Bridge elements”.
Such examples of bridge elements are Li (Lithium), Be (beryllium), B (Boron), C (carbon), N (Nitrogen), O (Oxygen).
As, we know that,
The element Na (Sodium) belongs to IA group,
Considering the element present diagonally opposite to Na, i.e. Li (Lithium)
As, the properties of Na and Li are quite similar due to electronegativity,
So, Na will come under the category of Bridge element.
And another element Mg (Magnesium) belongs to the IB group.
The element which is placed diagonally to Mg is Li.
Again, both element Mg and Li exhibit similar properties due to electronegativity.
Hence, Mg will also come under the category of Bridge element.
Hence, Na and Mg are bridge elements.

**So, the given statement is true.

Additional Information:**
The elements which are placed in the second period are termed as Bridge elements, while those elements which are placed in the third period of table are termed as Typical elements.
Typical elements have also similar properties like bridge elements.

Note:
1. Only those elements are considered as Bridge elements, which are placed diagonally opposite to each other, and the properties of both elements must be similar due to electronegativity.
2. Bridge elements are generally those elements which are placed in the second period of table.