Question

The element $Z = 114$ has been discovered recently. It will belong to which of the following family or group and what will be its electronic configuration?
A) Carbon family, $[Rn]5{f^{14}}6{d^{10}}7{s^2}7{p^2}$
B) Oxygen family, $[Rn]5{f^{14}}6{d^{10}}7{s^2}7{p^4}$
C) Nitrogen family, $[Rn]5{f^{14}}6{d^{10}}7{s^2}7{p^6}$
D) Halogen family, $[Rn]5{f^{14}}6{d^{10}}7{s^2}7{p^5}$

Answer 1

To determine the electronic configuration of the element we can easily write its configuration as the atomic number is already given in the question. We will use the Aufbau principle to write the configuration. After writing the configuration we will see the number of valence electrons present which will tell us the group to which the element belongs.

Complete solution:
Aufbau principle states that the electrons are filled into the atomic orbitals in the increasing order of their orbital energy level. The available atomic orbitals with the lowest energy levels are occupied before the higher energy levels.
So, the electronic configuration of $Z = 114$ will be:
$1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^6}3{d^{10}}4{s^2}4{p^6}4{d^{10}}5{s^2}5{p^6}5{d^{10}}6{s^2}6{p^6}5{f^{14}}6{d^{10}}7{s^2}7{p^2}$
We can also write it as $[Rn]5{f^{14}}6{d^{10}}7{s^2}7{p^2}$
Here we see that four electrons are present in the valence shell which means that it will belong to the carbon family as the carbon atom has four electrons present in its valence shell.
The element $Z =$ Flerovium
Thus, flerovium will be present in group $IV$

So, the correct answer will be Option 1.

Note: Flerovium will belong to period $7$ and comes under the p – block elements. It is an extremely radioactive element. Scientists have classified this element as a metal because it occurs as a solid at room temperature. Also, for solving these types of questions you should remember the correct order of the energy orbitals for writing the electronic configuration.