Questions: Identify the general outer electron configuration for each group of elements shown in this periodic table outline.

Solution Steps

The periodic table is divided into blocks based on the electron configuration of the elements:

• s-block: Groups 1 and 2
• p-block: Groups 13 to 18
• d-block: Transition metals (Groups 3 to 12)
• f-block: Lanthanides and actinides

Each block has a characteristic electron configuration:

• s-block: ns^1 to ns^2
• p-block: ns^2 np^1 to ns^2 np^6
• d-block: (n-1)d^1 ns^2 to (n-1)d^10 ns^2
• f-block: (n-2)f^1 (n-1)d^1 ns^2 to (n-2)f^14 (n-1)d^1 ns^2

• The leftmost block (s-block) should be labeled with ns^1 and ns^2.
• The rightmost block (p-block) should be labeled with ns^2 np^1 to ns^2 np^6.
• The middle block (d-block) should be labeled with (n-1)d^1 ns^2 to (n-1)d^10 ns^2.
• The bottom block (f-block) should be labeled with (n-2)f^1 (n-1)d^1 ns^2 to (n-2)f^14 (n-1)d^1 ns^2.

Final Answer