Animated Solution for Chemistry - s and p-Block Elements: Chalcogen group elements are

Group 16 of the periodic table is famously known as the Oxygen family.

But did you know it has another, more historical name? They are called the Chalcogens.

The word "chalcogen" is derived from the Greek words chalcos (meaning ore or copper) and gen (meaning formation). This is because most copper ores, and indeed most metal ores, are found in the earth's crust as oxides or sulfides.

Let's take a roll call of the elements that make up this fascinating group.

Starting from the top, we have Oxygen ($O$), the breath of life.

Right below it is Sulphur ($S$), known for its yellow crystals and pungent smell.

Continuing down the group, we find Selenium ($Se$) and Tellurium ($Te$), which are metalloids with interesting semiconductor properties.

Finally, at the bottom, sits Polonium ($Po$), a highly radioactive metal discovered by Marie Curie.

Now, let's look at the options provided in the question. We need to find the set that contains only chalcogens.

In option (a), we have Selenium ($Se$), Terbium ($Tb$), and Plutonium ($Pu$). While Selenium is a chalcogen, Terbium and Plutonium belong to the f-block. So, this is incorrect.

In option (c), we see Sulphur ($S$), Tellurium ($Te$), and Promethium ($Pm$). Promethium is a lanthanide, making this option wrong as well.

In option (d), we have Oxygen ($O$), Titanium ($Ti$), and Polonium ($Po$). Titanium is a d-block transition metal, so this is also out.

This leaves us with option (b), which lists Selenium ($Se$), Tellurium ($Te$), and Polonium ($Po$). All three of these are proud members of the chalcogen family!

Therefore, option (b) is the perfect match.