Question

Which of the following represents the general electronic configuration of an element belonging to the p-block of the periodic table?

(a) (n-2)f^0(n-1)d^0ns^2 np^0 -6

(b) (n-2)f^0(n-1)d^1 – 10 ns^2 np^1- 6

(c) (n-2)f^0(n-1)d^0 ns^2np^1-6

(d) (n-2)f^1- 14(n-1)d^1- 10ns^2np^1- 6

I had been asked this question during an interview for a job.

The doubt is from P-Block topic in division P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) (n-2)f^0(n-1)d^0 ns^2np^1-6

Explanation: The general configuration representation of p-block elements is (n-2)f^0(n-1)d^0ns^2np^1-6. This is because the s-subshell is completely filled, whereas, the p-subshell contains at least 1 electron. Other options are ruled out since either or both d – and f – subshell are partially filled.