Question

Write the general outer electronic configuration of $s,p,d,$ and $f$ block elements:

Answer 1

Hint : The elements of group $1$ and group $2$ of the periodic table are $s$ block elements. $p$ block starts from ${13^{th}}$ group and goes to ${18^{th}}$ group. The $d$ block element starts from ${3^{rd}}$ group and lies to ${12^{th}}$ group. The ${6^{th}}$ and ${7^{th}}$ row of the periodic table contain $f$ block elements.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The $s$ block elements having only one electron in their $s$ -orbital are called alkali metals. And elements having two electrons in their $s$ orbital are called alkaline earth metals. The general outer electronic configuration of $s$ block elements is $n{s^{(1 - 2)}}$ .
$p$ block elements are those in which the last electron enters any of the three $p$ -orbitals of their shells. The general electronic configuration of $p$ -block elements is $n{s^2}n{p^{1 - 6}}$ (except $He$ ).
$d$ -block elements are elements having electrons ( $1$ to $10$ ) present in the $d$ orbital of the penultimate energy level and in the outermost $s$ orbital are $d$ block elements.
$f$ block elements are divided into two series, are called lanthanides and actinides. These elements are placed separately at the bottom of the table. The general outer electronic configuration of $f$ block element is $(n - 2){f^{(0 - 14)}}(n - 1){d^{(0 - 1)}}n{s^2}$ .

Additional Information:
The alkali elements in $s$ block consist of a single valence electron in their outermost shell. This outermost electron is loosely held which makes these metals highly electropositive. Due to which they are not available in the free state in nature. $p$ blocks are shiny and usually a good conductor of electricity and heat as they have a tendency to lose electrons.

Note :
$d$ block elements generally display metallic qualities such as malleability and ductility, high values of electrical conductivity and good tensile strength. There are four series in $d$ block $3d,4d,5d$ and $6d$ . Lanthanides are soft metals with a silvery white colour. The actinide elements are highly reactive.