Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties - Electronic Configuration of Elements and the Periodic Table
Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
🔑Concepts
The period number in the periodic table corresponds to the highest principal quantum number () of the elements in that period.
The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a shell is given by , which explains why the first period has 2 elements () and the second has 8 elements ().
s-block elements: These include Group 1 (Alkali metals, ) and Group 2 (Alkaline earth metals, ). They are all reactive metals with low ionization enthalpies.
p-block elements: These comprise Groups 13 to 18. Together with s-block elements, they are called Representative Elements. Their general outer shell configuration is .
d-block elements: These are Groups 3 to 12, known as Transition Elements. They are characterized by the filling of inner orbitals, with a general configuration of .
f-block elements: These are the Lanthanoids and Actinoids (Inner Transition Elements), characterized by the filling of orbitals. General configuration: .
The group number for s-block elements equals the number of valence electrons. For p-block, it is . For d-block, it is the sum of electrons in and subshells.
📐Formulae
💡Examples
Problem 1:
An element has the atomic number . Predict its period, group, and block in the periodic table.
Solution:
- Write the configuration: . 2. The highest , so it belongs to Period . 3. The last electron enters the orbital, so it is in the p-block. 4. Group number = .
Explanation:
The valence shell is the shell (), and the outer configuration indicates it is a halogen.
Problem 2:
Identify the period and group for an element with electronic configuration .
Solution:
- Highest , so it belongs to Period . 2. The last electrons were filled in the subshell (), but the subshell is also involved in the valence. 3. Group number for d-block = .
Explanation:
Since the orbital is completely filled and the highest principal quantum number is , the element is Zinc (), located in Group 12, Period 4.
Problem 3:
Predict the block and group of an element with atomic number .
Solution:
- Configuration: . 2. Highest , so Period . 3. Last electron enters orbital, so s-block. 4. Valence electrons = , so Group .
Explanation:
Barium () has a valence configuration of , placing it in the alkaline earth metals group.