Question

Define representative elements.

Answer 1

Hint: The modern periodic table is the representation of the elements. The elements are arranged in the increasing order of their atomic numbers. There are 4 blocks on the periodic table s, p, d, and f blocks. The representative elements are placed in the 2 major blocks of the periodic table or the main group elements.

Complete answer:
The modern periodic table is based on the modern periodic law that states, physical and chemical properties of elements are the periodic function of their atomic numbers. This means the elements in the modern periodic table are arranged according to the increasing order of their atomic number. The 4 blocks in the periodic table are s, p, d, and f that have varying properties of elements.
Representative elements are the elements placed in the s and p block. These elements consist of the groups 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. This is because that the outer shells of the elements in these blocks are not completely filled, they have valence shell configuration as $n{{s}^{1-2}}$ for s block and $n{{p}^{1-5}}$ for p block. This makes them reactive and names them representative elements. The representative elements can be seen on the periodic table from groups 1 to 2 and from 13 to 17 as follows:

Hence, representative elements are defined as the elements of the s and p block (except group 18) of the periodic table, which are from group 1 to 2 and 13 to 17.

Note:
The noble gases (group 18) do not come under representative elements as they have a fully filled configuration and they are unreactive in nature. The d block elements are called as transition elements as they have properties transiting from metals and non – metals. While the f block elements are called inner – transition elements that consist of lanthanides and actinides.