Chapter 6.9, Problem 4CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The elements belonging to $\text{p}$-block are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

According to the Aufbau principle, the subshell occupied by the last electron decides the block designation of an element.

General rules for writing electronic configuration:

Electrons will reside in the available orbitals of lowest possible energy.

Each orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons.

Electrons will not pair in degenerate orbitals if an empty orbital is available.

Orbitals will fill in order of increasing energy $1s2s2p3s3p4s3d4p5s4d5p6s4f$.

s-orbital can have 0–2 electrons.

p-orbital can have 0–6 electrons.

d-orbital can have 0–10 electrons.

f-orbital can have 0–14 electrons.