Question

General electronic configuration of s-block elements is

Short answer

Answer: The general electronic configuration of s-block elements is ns^1 for alkali metals (group 1) and ns^2 for alkaline earth metals (group 2), where n represents the energy level (principal quantum number).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the s-block elements

The s-block elements are located in the first two groups (columns) of the periodic table. In the first group, we have alkali metals (e.g., Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, etc.), and in the second group, we have alkaline earth metals (e.g., Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, etc.). The s-block elements are termed as such because their last (outermost) electron is in the s-orbital.

Understanding the electron configurations

An electron configuration is a way of representing the distribution of electrons in an atom or ion. It shows the number of electrons in each energy level and the type of orbital they are located in (s, p, d, or f). The general format for writing electron configurations is: (energy level)(orbital type)^number of electrons

Identifying the general electronic configuration of s-block elements

As the s-block elements have their outermost electron in the s-orbital, their general electronic configuration will be either ns^1 (for alkali metals in group 1) or ns^2 (for alkaline earth metals in group 2). Here, n refers to the principal quantum number (energy level), which is an integer starting from 1. For example, Lithium (Li) has the electronic configuration 1s^2 2s^1, where the outermost electron is in the 2s-orbital, and Sodium (Na) has the electronic configuration 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1, with the outermost electron in the 3s-orbital.

Conclusion

The general electronic configuration of s-block elements can be represented as ns^1 for alkali metals (group 1) and ns^2 for alkaline earth metals (group 2), where n is the energy level. This pattern helps us predict the behavior of these elements and their relationship to other elements in the periodic table.