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Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties - Electronic Configuration of Elements and the Periodic Table

Grade 11CBSEChemistry

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 (nn) of the elements in that period.

The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a shell is given by 2n22n^2, which explains why the first period has 2 elements (1s21s^2) and the second has 8 elements (2s22p62s^2 2p^6).

s-block elements: These include Group 1 (Alkali metals, ns1ns^1) and Group 2 (Alkaline earth metals, ns2ns^2). 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 ns2np16ns^2 np^{1-6}.

d-block elements: These are Groups 3 to 12, known as Transition Elements. They are characterized by the filling of inner dd orbitals, with a general configuration of (n1)d110ns02(n-1)d^{1-10} ns^{0-2}.

f-block elements: These are the Lanthanoids and Actinoids (Inner Transition Elements), characterized by the filling of (n2)f(n-2)f orbitals. General configuration: (n2)f114(n1)d01ns2(n-2)f^{1-14} (n-1)d^{0-1} ns^2.

The group number for s-block elements equals the number of valence electrons. For p-block, it is 10+number of valence electrons10 + \text{number of valence electrons}. For d-block, it is the sum of electrons in (n1)d(n-1)d and nsns subshells.

📐Formulae

General Electronic Configuration of s-block: ns12\text{General Electronic Configuration of s-block: } ns^{1-2}

General Electronic Configuration of p-block: ns2np16\text{General Electronic Configuration of p-block: } ns^2 np^{1-6}

General Electronic Configuration of d-block: (n1)d110ns02\text{General Electronic Configuration of d-block: } (n-1)d^{1-10} ns^{0-2}

General Electronic Configuration of f-block: (n2)f114(n1)d01ns2\text{General Electronic Configuration of f-block: } (n-2)f^{1-14} (n-1)d^{0-1} ns^2

Group number (p-block)=10+number of valence electrons (ns+np)\text{Group number (p-block)} = 10 + \text{number of valence electrons } (ns + np)

💡Examples

Problem 1:

An element has the atomic number Z=17Z = 17. Predict its period, group, and block in the periodic table.

Solution:

  1. Write the configuration: 1s22s22p63s23p51s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^5. 2. The highest n=3n = 3, so it belongs to Period 33. 3. The last electron enters the pp orbital, so it is in the p-block. 4. Group number = 10+valence electrons=10+(2+5)=1710 + \text{valence electrons} = 10 + (2 + 5) = 17.

Explanation:

The valence shell is the 3rd3^{rd} shell (n=3n=3), and the outer configuration 3s23p53s^2 3p^5 indicates it is a halogen.

Problem 2:

Identify the period and group for an element with electronic configuration [Ar]3d104s2[Ar] 3d^{10} 4s^2.

Solution:

  1. Highest n=4n = 4, so it belongs to Period 44. 2. The last electrons were filled in the dd subshell (3d3d), but the ss subshell is also involved in the valence. 3. Group number for d-block = (n1)d electrons+ns electrons=10+2=12(n-1)d \text{ electrons} + ns \text{ electrons} = 10 + 2 = 12.

Explanation:

Since the 3d3d orbital is completely filled and the highest principal quantum number is 44, the element is Zinc (ZnZn), located in Group 12, Period 4.

Problem 3:

Predict the block and group of an element with atomic number Z=56Z = 56.

Solution:

  1. Configuration: [Xe]6s2[Xe] 6s^2. 2. Highest n=6n = 6, so Period 66. 3. Last electron enters ss orbital, so s-block. 4. Valence electrons = 22, so Group 22.

Explanation:

Barium (BaBa) has a valence configuration of 6s26s^2, placing it in the alkaline earth metals group.

Electronic Configuration of Elements and the Periodic Table Revision - Class 11 Chemistry CBSE