Question

Name the four types of elements of the periodic table based on the electronic configuration. Write on characteristics of each type.

Answer 1

Hint: - Electron configuration can be described as how electrons are assembled within the orbitals shells and subshells of an atom. It is important to understand what an electron is in order to fully understand the electron configuration.

Complete answer:
An electron is a subatomic particle that is associated with a negative charge. Electrons are found outside of the nucleus, as opposed to neutrons which are particles with neutral charge and protons that are particles with positive charge. Furthermore, electrons are associated with energy, more specifically quantum energy, and exemplify wave-like and particle-like characteristics. The word configuration simply means the arrangement of something. Therefore, electron configuration in straightforward language means the arrangement of electrons.

The four types of elements of the periodic table based on electronic configurations are as follows: -

S block: The S block in the periodic table of elements occupies the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, also known as groups 1 and 2. Helium is also part of the S block. The principal quantum number “n” fills the s orbital. There is a maximum of two electrons that can occupy the s orbital.
P Block: The P block contains groups 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, with the exception of Helium. (Helium is part of the S block.) The principal quantum number “n” fills the p orbital. There is a maximum of six electrons that can occupy the p orbital.
D Block: The D block elements are found in groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the periodic table. The D block elements are also known as the transition metals. The d orbital is filled with the electronic shell “n-1.” There is a maximum of ten electrons that can occupy the d orbital.
F Block: The F block elements are the lanthanides and actinides. The F orbitals of the electron shell are filled with “n-2.” There is a maximum of fourteen electrons that can occupy the f orbital.

Note: - The commonly used long form of the periodic table is designed to emphasize electron configurations. Since it is the outermost i.e. valence electrons which are primarily involved in chemical interactions between atoms, the last electron added to an atom in the building-up process is of far more interest to a chemist than the first.