Q.Write an essay on s, p, d, and f block elements.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The periodic table is divided into four blocks (s, p, d, f) according to which subshell the differentiating (last) electron enters; each block has characteristic groups and properties.
The long form of the periodic table is divided into four blocks depending on the subshell (orbital) into which the last electron is added in the atom.
- s-block elements:
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Last electron enters the outermost ns orbital; general configuration ns^1 (Group 1, alkali metals) or ns^2 (Group 2, alkaline earth metals).
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They are Groups 1 and 2 (plus hydrogen and helium).
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They are soft, reactive metals, good reducing agents, form ionic compounds, and have low ionisation enthalpies.
- p-block elements:
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Last electron enters an np orbital; general configuration ns^2 np^1 to ns^2 np^6.
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They occupy Groups 13 to 18.
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This block contains metals, non-metals and metalloids; the noble gases (Group 18) with the stable ns^2 np^6 configuration are its members. (Together, s- and p-block elements are called representative or normal elements.)
- d-block elements (transition elements):
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Last electron enters the (n-1)d orbital; general configuration (n-1)d^1-10 ns^0-2.
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They lie in the middle of the table, Groups 3 to 12.
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They are hard, high-melting metals that show variable oxidation states, form coloured ions and complex compounds, and act as catalysts.
- f-block elements (inner transition elements):
- Last electron enters the (n-2)f orbital; general configuration (n-2)f^1-14 (n-1)d^0-1 ns^2. …
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