Question

Atoms of which group in the periodic table have a valence shell electron configuration of\({\bf{n}}{{\bf{s}}^{\bf{2}}}\)?

Short answer

Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) has the electron configuration \(n{s^2}\).

Step-by-step solution

Electronic configuration

The regular arrangement of electrons in the atomic orbitals is called electronic configuration. The physical and chemical properties of the elements are the periodic functions of their atomic numbers or electronic configurations.

The sum of the superscripts in the electronic configuration of an element represents the total number of valence electrons in it.

The n value in the electronic configuration represents the shell number.

Group 2 elements

The given general electronic configuration is\(n{s^2}\).

The total number of valence electrons in it is two.

Thus, the group number is IIA or group 2. (alkaline earth metals).